A lollipop lady who worked at a Newton Aycliffe school for 30 years has been told she will be sorely missed in her retirement.

Marian Dawson, who spent decades helping children cross the road at Sugar Hill Primary School, has decided to retire.

The lollipop lady lives close to the school and began her job in 1993 when she was only allowed to help children across the road and not adults.

She remembers how much the uniforms have changed since she first started, even if she was very fond of the original hat.

Five years ago, when she was 25 years into her career she said: "There are lots of differences between now and then – when I first started we were only allowed to help children over the road, not adults which is quite a big change.

"The uniform has changed as well and I think I’m the only one in Aycliffe who still has the original hat, I won’t part with it.

"Most people wear the baseball caps now but I much prefer my flat-type cap. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the children – no matter how low you feel when you see them coming round the corner and smiling and waving and shouting your name they cheer you right up."

Angela Redmond, Durham County Council’s road safety manager, said: "You only need to see and hear the way children, parents and everyone connected with Sugar Hill School speak about Marian to appreciate just how everyone feels about her and how much she will be missed.

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"To have helped thousands of children safely cross the road over more than 30 years is a remarkable achievement and one she should rightly be proud of.

"Being a lollipop lady, or lollipop man, is a hugely rewarding profession and we would encourage anyone interested to contact us if they would like to find out more."

Details of crossing patrol vacancies, including casual positions, can be found on the North East Jobs website: North East Jobs - Homepage. People can also call the council’s Road Safety Team for more information on 03000 268175.