A 'grandfather' to hundreds of schoolchildren has retired after helping keep thousands of youngsters safe on their way to school.

After a career in the Royal Navy and 20-plus years as a postman, Peter Johnson turned his hand eight years ago to being a Gateshead Borough Council school crossing patrol officer.

Since then, he has helped thousands of youngsters get to and from school safely in the Bensham area of the town.

From his crossing point on Coatsworth Road, Mr Johnson, 65, has helped more than 400 children a day over the junction, becoming a popular figure with both children, parents and shopkeepers.

The community was so upset to hear that he was retiring, that a petition, poems and letters were written to hopefully make him change his mind, but without success.

Yvonne Goldman, who organised the petition, said Mr Johnson became a "community grandfather figure". She said: "Parents have befriended him, the community has embraced him, and the children love him."