BY HIS own admission Roger Barton is someone who likes to remain in the background, but last week he found himself as the centre of attention at The Manor in Dawlish.

Roger is the caretaker at the town council offices, and last week, even though he was off duty, his wife Brenda insisted they go to his place of work.

When he got there he was shocked to see the council had laid on a surprise party for him on his 80th birthday.

More than 20 councillors and council staff had laid on a birthday cake and gifts in recognition of all the work he does for the town.

Roger keeps the rooms for hire clean and ready for up 40 community per week to hire for keep fit, yoga classes and line dancing groups, and even wedding receptions. He works alongside Paul Davies and occasionally Brenda herself helps out.

Dawlish mayor, speaking on behalf of the town council, said: ‘Roger has been a constant support at Dawlish Town Council for many years. Serving four town clerks and a long list of mayors and councillors, always going out of his way to ensure that ‘behind the scenes’ runs smoothly.

‘I would like to add my congratulations and my grateful thanks for his sterling work.’

Roger said: ‘I really wasn’t expecting this. When Brenda said I should go in when I wan’t on duty I should have suspected something.’

Despite his advanced age, great-granddad Roger has no intention of handing over the keys to someone else.

‘I ran my own contract cleaning business for 41 years before I took over the cleaning for the council in 1987. I’ve been full-time caretaker for them since 2000. I don’t think i’ll be retiring anytime soon.

‘The councillors and all the staff are a wonderful bunch. They couldn’t be nicer.’