AFTER 14 years of helping youngsters cross the road safely outside Wesley Methodist Primary School in Radcliffe, Irene Council is hanging up her lollipop.

As she prepares to move to her new home in Morecambe with husband Ron, Irene's only wish is that she could take the children with her!

"It has been absolutely brilliant," she said. "The children, their parents and the staff are all wonderful. It was sad to say goodbye. But I am sure after settling in Morecambe I'll get another job."

Irene (58) has learnt the names of many of the children she has helped cross the road over the years, and remembers a time when she was only allowed to help children at the crossing.

She said: "While most motorists, cyclists and lorry drivers have been great over the years, I once offered to cross one of the mums who had broken her leg. As I stopped the traffic, a car came flying around the corner and screeched to a stop in front of us.

"The driver wound down the window and said he would report me as I wasn't supposed to cross anyone other than children. I couldn't believe it! But that is probably the only incident I have had in 14 years. For the rest of the time it has been great. I have loved the job."

For the past ten years, Irene has also worked at the school as a welfare assistant at lunchtimes.

Now her lollipop and uniform are waiting in the school for the next person to take up the role. Mr Geoff Hurst, headteacher at the school in Forth Road school, said: "We'll miss Mrs Council. She has served the school for the past 14 years on the crossing and the children all think the world of her."