A WOMAN who has helped thousands of pupils to get to and from school safely is now set to help them to choose the right roads in life.

Julia Gaines is leaving the job she has held for the last six years as a school crossing warden at King James l Community College in Bishop Auckland, to become a youth worker in Manchester.

She said: "I have really enjoyed my time as a lollipop lady and have got to know many of the pupils at King James very well. Now it's time for me to move on and I'm excited by the prospect of the youth work I will be doing soon."

Headteacher Ed Lott said: "This is brilliant for Julia's career and the staff at the college wish her every success. But it could be a problem for King James - there's no replacement in sight."

Anyone interested in the post should visit Bishop Auckland job centre in the Market Place.