A FORMER school caretaker has struck a blow for the common man by being awarded the MBE.

The honour is in recognition of John Davenport's services to education and a fitting retirement gift for the 65-year-old. He has just finished as school caretaker at St Paul's primary school in Bury where he had worked for the past 13 years.

A favourite with pupils and staff, John, of Whittingham Drive, Ramsbottom, carried out numerous caretaker duties in his spare time.

He said: "I maintained the school and also cleaned it. I'd also decorate the school and carry out repairs, sometimes in my spare time. If there were any odd jobs to be done, then I'd tackle them."

He is a member of the East Lancashire Railway and in the past addressed pupils about his interest.

Commenting on his MBE, he said: "I suppose it's a pat on the back, really. I can honestly say that serving as school caretaker at St Paul's was the happiest time of my working life."

Before he receives his award from the Queen, he and wife, Bernice, have a date to keep at Buckingham Palace -- they been invited to attend a summer garden party.