FOR nearly two decades, come rain, wind or shine, Dot Lazell has ensured the safety of thousands of children.

Day in and day out, she has made sure that youngsters in the Bedale area get safely across the road to school.

Yesterday, the youngsters at Bedale primary said thank you - at an emotional assembly called to mark her retirement after 19 years as a lollipop lady.

Each of the 337 pupils at the school helped to design and make a giant card for Dot and the school also presented her with a rose to remember the children by.

School headteacher David Fishburn said: "The motto of our school is Learning and Caring Together - and Dot has been the epitome of that.