LOLLIPOP lady Brenda Shields finished her first school crossing shift in sub-zero temperatures and vowed to quit the job.

But that first frost-bitten experience was soon forgotten and yesterday, she retired after more than 25 years on patrol at Pelton Roseberry Primary School, County Durham.

During her time there, she has guided hundreds of thousands of children safely across a busy road.

"I am well into the second generation of pupils and I am extremely sad to be saying goodbye to them all,'' said Mrs Shields, who lives with her husband, Albert, at Hilda Park, in Chester-le-Street.

Mrs Shields took on the crossing patrol job after being made redundant as manager of a newsagents.

"My first day on duty was in November 1981, one of the coldest winters on record, and despite wearing several layers of clothes - including my husband's longjohns - I still got frostbite on my legs."

Over the years, whatever the weather, she has stayed at her post three times every school day and yesterday the pupils and staff said a tearful farewell.

"I have cried buckets over leaving and I am going to miss everyone," said Mrs Shields, who has promised to make return visits to the school.

She was presented with vouchers, flowers, a figurine, chocolates and a framed photograph of her on patrol.

Now the school is faced with finding a replacement, but all agreed that Mrs Shields will be a hard act to follow.