Lollipops standing tall for 167 years
28/04/2008
Five of Leicestershire's School Crossing Patrols love their jobs so much they have been working for 167 years in total - and are now urging others to join their numbers.
The fabulous five are June Wakeling, Georgina Garratt, Jennifer Hooke, Sandra Flamson and Vera Foster, who have been out in all weathers over the last four (five in Vera's case) decades helping children across the road safely.
They are keen to help the County Councils recruitment drive to fill Leicestershires 32 vacancies for School Crossing Patrols, or Lollipop People as they are affectionately known.
School Crossing Patrols provide an invaluable support service in helping to make the roads around county schools safer for children and their families to cross.
Georgina Garratt, School Crossing Patrol at the Hall School, Glenfield, since 1978 said: "The main change I have seen over the years is the amount of traffic, the sheer numbers of cars pulling up near the school gate this makes our job all the more important nowadays.
"The best bit about the job is seeing the children every day, watching them grow up over the years, and then seeing their children, the next generation across the road safely."
Nicholas Rushton, Deputy Leader of the County Council with responsibility for Highways and Transportation said: "These five School Crossing Patrols should be extremely proud of their contribution towards making their community a safer place to live in for so many years.
"Our recruitment campaign has been a great success so far, but we still want to get the message out to more people who might be willing to spend a few hours each week to help our school children.
Anyone interested in a post should call 0116 305 6515 or visit for more details.