A SCHOOL joiner got his retirement plans off to a flying start with the ride in a helicopter.

Friends and colleagues of John Walton, from Barnard Castle School, clubbed together to pay for the flight.

Mr Walton, 65, has worked at the school for 20 years and has been a joiner for 50 years.

He was renowned for his inventiveness, making anything from decorative shields to furniture, doors and windows.

He said: "Every day has been different and I have loved working at the school.

"The helicopter ride was a real surprise. We flew over Barnard Castle and Middleton in Teesdale, where I'm from.

"We then went over High Force, Cauldron Snout and Cow Green reservoir. It was brilliant - out of this world."

The school's clerk of works, Ian Fairbairn, said: "John is multi-skilled and very talented. He is legendary for his recycling skills.

"His workshop may look like Steptoe and Son's front room, but it is all valuable stuff.

"John can make just about anything and he will be a major loss to the school."