It has been 50 years since the men and women who form the famous lollipop patrols first took to the streets to help children safely make their way to school.
To help celebrate the half-century milestone, and to coincide with the national anniversary, each School Crossing Patrol in Herefordshire will be presented with a gold badge on Tuesday, April 29.
“The first patrols were launched in London in 1953 following the School Crossing Patrol Act of 1953 and they have become an invaluable service to the community, “ said Ann Mann, Herefordshire Council Road Safety Officer.
Ann added:” All our school Crossing Patrols are special people - they come out in all weathers and some have to cope with the increasing number of motorists who show no courtesy and fail to stop.
“They are all very dedicated to their role of getting not only children but also parents across the road to and from school.
“Our longest serving patrol is Maura Beavan who covers Peterchurch Primary School and she has been in post 29 years, come November. “
It is hoped the celebrations and recognition of the worthy profession will help inspire more people to sign up for the rewarding job.
In Herefordshire there are about six vacant positions and Ann said it can be difficult filling posts.
Anyone aged between 18 and 75 years who would like to help improve safety for children going to and from school should contact the Road Safety Unit on 01432 260946.
As part of the celebrations, pupils with fertile imaginations are asked to design their own vision of patrols of the future.
The National competition is open to all pupils who have a patrol attached to their school and is being run by The Local Authority Road Safety Officers Association (LARSOA ) in partnership with Hyundai Car (UK) Ltd.
The search is also on for the best Lollipop Person in the Country.
Sponsored by That’s Life magazine, the Golden Jubilee Year Lollipop Person wants nominations from parents and children who think their school has the best Lollipop person.
The winning Patrol person will receive a Hyundai Getz car.