A TUNEFUL caretaker who sings the teachers out of work every evening is releasing a Christmas album to raise essential money needed for his school.

Glenn Tyler, a former chef of 20 years from Upper Beeding, Steyning, has been working at St Peter’s Community Infant and Junior School for the last seven years, becoming popular among the children and staff for his singing.

But he never expected his talent would materialise into something more – until he was given singing lessons at Sussex Academy of Music in Shoreham for his 50th birthday earlier this year.

He said: “I’m always mucking around singing. In my previous life I was a chef so I would sing in my job then too.

“I said to my wife one day that I would love singing lessons – but I didn’t expect her to surprise me with them!”

Inspired, Mr Tyler decided to do something to help the school, which has undergone continuous cuts.

Made using his own money to produce, his album, Mr Tyler Sings Christmas, contains six songs and is on sale for £5 but said the money raised from proceeds will go entirely towards the school.

He said: “I don’t want any of the money back.

“Whether we raise £5, £50 or £500 it’ll all go towards something to help the school.”

Mrs Michele Lawrie, headteacher at St Peter’s, said: “Glenn has a lovely voice – on a Friday evening he and one of our teachers at the school will sing together.

“I’m thrilled to bits for him, and am delighted by his intention is to raise the money for the school and the kids here.

“Especially at Christmas time, it’s something really special.”

The album has been quite the community project, with Mr Tyler’s friends, family and teachers at the school all contributing in some way to its making.

Mr Tyler is even making a video for one of the songs, which is to be released on his YouTube channel The Cooking Caretaker next week.

A talent in the kitchen, Mr Tyler has worked in a number of prestigious locations in Sussex such as the Old Tollgate Hotel in Bramber, and South Lodge Hotel in Horsham.