A RECRUITMENT drive has been launched by a North-East council amid concerns about a shortage of lollipop men and women.

Road safety officers at Hartlepool Borough Council are keen to employ up to five more lollipop men or women, mainly to act as cover for absent permanent staff.

However, adverts have so far failed to generate much interest, prompting a public appeal for people to come forward.

Paul Watson, the council's road safety officer, said; "The importance of our school crossing patrollers should not be under-estimated. They are in the front line of our on-going campaign to reduce accidents and make the town's roads safer.

"My concern is that unless we are able to maintain a pool of casual employees to cover for full-time staff, then there may be occasions when we will struggle to man all our crossings. I am sure there will also be opportunities for people who begin on a casual basis to apply for permanent positions."

The council has 38 lollipop men and women and full training would be given to applicants.

Mr Watson said: "Perhaps the job would appeal to someone who has retired early and wants to work for just a few hours a week.

"Obviously, candidates would need to be flexible as the casual nature of the job means they might be required at short notice and then only for a day or two.

"If anyone is interested, I would be more than happy to talk to them about the job and what would be required of them."

Mr Watson can be contacted on (01429) 523590.