IT was a special day for Darlington Primary School gardener Phil Jackson who celebrated turning 80 with fellow staff and students on Monday.
The school held a morning tea to mark Mr Jackson’s milestone birthday.
He was born in Iowa in the United States on August 29, 1937 and shares the date with his son Craig.
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READ NOWMr Jackson is described as a sprightly and energetic figure who takes care of the raking, weeding, leaf blowing, planting, fertilising around the school, tending the beautiful, largely natural environment of the grounds.
He has been a part-time gardener at the school since April 2009.
His daughter-in-law Relita is a cleaner at the school and his two grandchildren also spent their primary school years there.
His tip for living long and staying healthy is that he doesn’t stress about anything.
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