Greenbank Preparatory School legend David Prior returned to his former employer to say a 'massive thank you' on behalf of Chelwood Food Bank.
For the last two decades the independent primary school on Heathbank Road, Cheadle Hulme, has supported Chelwood Church's lifesaving food bank on Adswood Road.
Harvest Festival bounty and school donations have seen Greenbank work as part of a network of generous businesses, institutions and individuals to help the food ban survive and now flourish.
David, a former railway engineer and postman, worked as the caretaker at Greenbank from 1999 to 2010 and is fondly remember by all parents, former pupils and staff.
Greenbank Headmaster, former GB rower Malcolm Johnson, said: "David has something of a legendary status at this school. He was hard working and very humorous but above all kind, considerate, generous and loved by all. Nothing was ever too much and he always went that extra mile."
Now David, who lives in Smithy Green, Cheadle Hulme, is part of the volunteer team at Chelwood Food Bank working two or three morning each week.
David said: "When Covid first struck we honestly thought we would really struggle, but the reverse has been the case. We have been truly blessed by the amount of donations both of food and money and have been able to continue and, indeed, increase our donations of food, toiletries, clothing and pots and pans to hundreds and hundreds of local families and individuals."
David added: "So positive has been the response from institutions such as Greenbank and the general public that we have now been able to build our own units at the side of Chelwood Church."
"As winter approaches this will enable us to do even more for local people in need and give a focal point to an incredibly important local charity."
He said: "For nearly two decades Greenbank has been one of our biggest supporters and I felt I needed to come to this harvest festival and tell the children just why they are so important."
"They were always a total and utter joy to be around, and it was a privilege to meet the next generation."