Lollipop lady's plea amid school crossing patrol shortage

A Lancashire lollipop lady who has worked at the same school crossing for more than 30 years has urged people to follow in her footsteps.

Gill Rimmer has helped children cross the busy Hugh Barn Lane outside New Longton All Saints' Church of England Primary School in New Longton, Preston, for 31 years.

The grandmother said she still loved the job and had no plans to stop.

But Lancashire County Council said there are several vacancies for school crossing patrol officers.

Gill told BBC Radio Lancashire the pupils as well as parents, grandparents and carers are a "lovely bunch".

She added that a lot had changed in her three decades keeping children safe.

"There is definitely a lot more traffic. A lot more huge lorries coming and going.

"I did have one driver that was nasty to me recently, but you just learn to be a bit more thick-skinned."

Lancashire has 307 crossings but only 270 patrol officers.

Gill said she believed she had found her vocation in life, "looked forward to work every day", and urged others to put themselves forward to do the same.

Alison Moxham, head teacher of New Longton All Saints School, said the school family think their lollipop lady is "wonderful".

She said: "Come rain or shine, Gill Rimmer is there with a smile, a friendly word and a warm welcome for our children and families.

"Her contribution is about much more than crossing the road safely. She is part of our school and local community, known and loved by generations of families.

"New Longton All Saints' CE Primary School is so lucky to have had over 30 years of her dedication, kindness, and, most importantly, help in keeping our children safe."

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