A former caretaker stepped into the spotlight to make a school dream come true.

Mrs Vera Haigh was back at Berry Brow Infant and Nursery School, where she worked for 28 years, to perform a special task.

She cut a ribbon to open Vera’s – a children’s library for use by the school and local groups working with children.

It has been created in what used to be the school caretaker’s house, where Mrs Haigh lived while she worked at the school.

Council policy meant that once the caretaker left the post, the property that was once tied to the job became an asset to the school.

Headteacher Mrs Jacqueline Hall said: “Governors and staff were committed to using the property to benefit the school and its community and as the school had never had the space for a library it seemed to be the best way forward.

“The school was supported with the refurbishment of the house through a Lottery grant for books and furniture by Rixonway Kitchens in Dewsbury, which gave Vera’s a lovely kitchen and by One17design which provided a breakfast for all the parents at the launch.

“The long-term plan for Vera’s includes the creation of a breakfast club and the school is hoping to work with Huddersfield Town Foundation to develop its ambitions.”

Children gather at Berry Brow School ahead of the new library opening
Children gather at Berry Brow School ahead of the new library opening

Mrs Hall and Mrs Haigh led children in celebrations at a family learning morning to mark the opening of the new centre.

Mrs Haigh retired in 2012 and moved to the Isle of Man, but returned for the opening ceremony. She said: “I was delighted to be asked to cut the ribbon.

“I’m very happy that the property has been put to such a fantastic use.”

She also presented a Manx weather vane to sit proudly as a permanent reminder on the top of what was once her house.