PUPILS at a primary school near Didcot got a special treat from their caretaker yesterday as he celebrated almost a decade of looking after them.

Derek Dodd, from Newlands Avenue, Didcot, has been caretaker at Chilton Primary School in Downside for the past nine years, and will celebrate a decade in the job in September.

But the 49-year-old was a caretaker at Blewbury Primary School for a year before he arrived at Chilton Primary School, so he decided to celebrate 10 years in the role by treating 212 pupils, plus 28 staff including headteacher Sandra North, to an ice cream with a chocolate flake.

It took 40 minutes for Teresa Harris, 38, from Sutton Courtenay, to hand out all the ice creams from her van.

Father-of-four Mr Dodd said: “It’s my 50th birthday later this month so I wanted to treat the kids to celebrate. I have been here nearly 10 years so it’s a double celebration.

“I love standing by the gate each morning to welcome in all the kids.”

Mr Dodd’s wife Pat, 47, added: “The pupils had no idea they were getting an ice cream so it was a lovely surprise for them.

“Derek loves his job and each class made him a lovely card — it has been a great day.”

Headteacher Mrs North said: “Derek has worked here for a long time and really enjoys his job.

The children all sang Derek happy birthday as they gave him their cards – he was very touched.”