FOR almost 60 years Jim Caunce was a mainstay of the political scene in St Helens until his death in 2010 aged 92.

Believed to have been one of the longest serving politicians in the country Jim, who was a Labour councillor for Haydock for around half a century and a freeman of the borough, was honoured by Haydock High School with the unveiling of a plaque in the reception.

Jim's daughters Ann Simister and Joan Dearden and his nephew Stephen Caunce joined previous teacher Andy Pollard and director of children and young people's services Andy Dempsey at a ceremony to mark the occasion.

They were accompanied by for mer members of staff, governors and headteachers from some of Haydock's feeder primary schools.

Councillor Jeanette Banks, cabinet member for education, said: "Jim always took a keen and active interest in Haydock High and I know he would have been delighted to have been honoured in this way.

"I also know that he would have been excited about the new look frontage and reception area at the school."

Haydock's headteacher Ian Murphy said: "We are particularly pleased to see the family of Jim Caunce here today, to share in what we hope is a fitting tribute to him and the enormous commitment he made to both Haydock High and the town of St Helens.

"The governing body have for many years discussed an appropriate memorial to Jim and I'm delighted that we have finally found a means to honour his memory at Haydock."