The post of caretaker may not be the most glamorous or the best paid, but at one school it’s definitely the most popular.

The board of governors at Edison Junior High School near Canton in Ohio received more than 700 applications for their full-time caretaker role within just one week of advertising it.

The overwhelming demand forced the school to extend the deadline and those in charge will now have to whittle the responses down to 50 for the first round of interviews.

The post pays about Pounds 10 an hour, plus benefits. John Richard, the future caretaker’s boss, said many applications were from workers who had been laid off and were suffering in the tough economic times.

Applicants are expected to enjoy socialising with students, want to stay in the job for a long time and to make a career out of the role, official Barry Mason said.