A LOLLIPOP lady who has been a part of school life for more than 20 years has hung up her stick.

Joan Stothard has been helping children across the busy road outside Broom Cottages Primary School in Ferryhill, since 1979.

She has been there so long that youngsters she once guided to safety now have children of their own going to the school.

Mrs Stothard, 65, said an emotional farewell to children and staff for the last time last Thursday.

She said: "I've helped three generations across this road and I've made friends that I've still got today by just talking to them outside the school gates. It's been a very emotional week"

Mrs Stothard was presented with a garden seat, inscribed with a plaque, ito mark her retirement.

Headteacher Ken Banks said she had become much more than just the lollipop lady, helping out at school plays and assisting at the annual Christmas party.

Mr Banks said: "She's been an integral part of school life and she's going to be a big miss."