SCHOOL cleaning lady Mrs Barbara Gregory loves St James CE School in Westhoughton and its pupils so much that she often calls in to help.

In fact, staff estimate that over the past 27 years, the trip between her home and school has clocked up 6,000 miles!

And that fact adorned a very special leaving present from the school -- her old metal mop bucket, decorated by local artist Andrew Smith.

Another "thank you" came in the form of the Bolton Evening News's Bouquet of the Week, presented to her to the delight of her young friends.

Chris Dobson, from St James, wrote nominating Mrs Gregory: "For year, she has never failed to smile at work. She had looked after her invalid husband and still had the 'extra' time whenever we needed her.

"Each year, she has talked to reception classes about her job, gone on a range of trips with Years 4 and 6 as an adult helper, given a hand with summer fairs and swept up the school hall after many children's discos.

"Hearing people's troubles, buying little gifts for teachers' children, and keeping our classrooms tip-top. The list is endless. What shall we do without her?"

Mrs Gregory was quite overcome by her unexpected gifts, including the lovely bouquet courtesy of Caroline Ward's flower and gift delivery service (0800-289-335).

If you know of a deserving local person, send in details about them (including their daytime telephone number) to: BOUQUET OF THE WEEK, Angela Kelly, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE.