LOLLIPOP man Simon Wood carried the standard for his gender at a competition to find the best crossing patrol in the country.

Mr Wood, from Harrogate, was the only male to reach the finals of the Golden Jubilee Lollipop Person Competition.

He helps youngsters cross Skipton Road, Harrogate, safely and was one of the few out of 30,000 patrols across the country to be nominated for the award.

The competition, backed by Hyundai Cars, was held to celebrate 50 years of the school crossing patrol service.

Mr Wood was finally pipped at the post for the title by Lancashire grandmother Irene Reid, who helps youngsters in Preston.