A HEADTEACHER has paid tribute to her school’s caretaker after he was recognised on the national stage.

Robert Blackburn - known as Rob to colleagues and Bob to the children at Adderlane Academy - was highly commended at the National Caretaker Awards, narrowly missing out on top spot.

Rob was nominated by staff, parents and governors for the award, and headteacher Emma Potts said he regularly goes above and beyond his job description.

She said: “Parents, staff, and governors had to go online and explain why they thought Rob was the best caretaker in the country.

“He was shortlisted, and drove down to the awards ceremony in Bristol by himself.

“His job is so important, particularly at the moment with all the bugs going round.

“Rob has done a lot more than it says in his job description - he’s our Santa and he decorates the school. You can’t do the journey this school has done without an amazing caretaker who makes the building as fantastic as he does.”

The news came just as Adderlane was rated “good” by Ofsted for the first time since the school was put in special measures back in 2015.

Emma added that Rob and the children were pleased with his success.

She continued: “I think Rob was suitably proud. He always has a big smile on his face and everything he does is with humour.

“The children didn’t understand why he didn’t just get the award straight away!

“We were really chuffed to bits. It’s another ‘best’ for the school. I’m really pleased you can find bodies that celebrate the individual roles.”