AN unlikely helper at South Craven's Out of School Club has retired from some of his duties this week.

Jack Pepper, who will be 85 on Sunday, has been a volunteer helper at the Cross Hills club since it first started seven years ago.

Mr Pepper, who is originally from Lincoln, is no stranger to hard work.

He says he has had a varied and long career - he started running errands at the age of eight and is a coach-builder by trade.

He moved to Cross Hills from Keighley about 10 years ago and was looking for something to keep him occupied in his retirement.

He explained: "I was just looking at an advert for people to help at the club when it started and as I was reading it, I was offered the job on the spot!

"I said yes and started by playing football with the children and it went on from there. I've been here ever since."

The club, based at St Peter's Church, prepares breakfast for the members, who are aged between four and 11, and then walks them to Glusburn Primary School and both schools in Sutton.

Club workers then pick the children up after school and provide them with tea and entertainment, such as games and activities.

There is also a holiday club where as many as 50 children can be looked after when school breaks up.

The club co-ordinator Heather Kirkpatrick says that the children are all fond of Jack who organises the woodwork, helps to prepare meals and plays games with the children.

She added: "I've been working here for the past two years but Jack is the original!

"He used to walk the children to and from school - he's going to stop doing that now but will carry on popping in and helping out.

"The kids all like him and he's a real help. He's done some brilliant woodwork and we'll miss him on the school run."

Naomi Tennant, eight, said: "Jack used to walk me back from school and I'll miss him. He'll still be here to help us though."

Another of the children at the club added that Mr Pepper was a great chef - referring to the teas he cooks for them.

Mr Pepper said that he had always enjoyed helping at the club and was still fine to walk, but felt it was the right time to stop taking the children to and from school.

He had a twinkle in his eye when he explained that one of his other interests was going on holiday and was looking forward to a trip to Benidorm later in the New Year.

"I can't sit in the sun too long or my nose burns and the children tease me. I go for the nightlife!" he said.

Club members and friends were due to get together yesterday (Thursday) to show their appreciation for his work and present him with a certificate for the effort he has put in over the years.