WORKING in a special school often includes duties that aren’t included in the original job description.

One man who has stood up to the challenge and gone above and beyond the call of duty for 30 years is John Hibbins.

He served at Kingfisher School, Abingdon, as cleaner, caretaker and volunteer at after-school events since 1985.

And his service has been praised after staff and pupils gave him a resounding farewell on his final day last month.

Headteacher Amanda Edney said: “He has been a real part of the school for many, many years – he sees adults out and about who still remember him.

“He has got a cheery disposition, he is friendly, and he keeps chickens and supplies school staff with eggs.

“He is very cheerful and very flexible – nothing was too much troubled for him.”

The Oxford United fan got a special surprise when U’s business development manager and former Chelsea left-winger Peter Rhoades-Brown turned up to wish him well in his retirement.

Mr Hibbins also used to work with his wife when she was a cleaner at the school, which has 83 pupils aged two to 19.

Mrs Edney said that Mr Hibbins, now in his 70s, would have plenty to keep him busy with his dogs, chickens and going to Oxford United matches.