LOLLIPOP man Fred Furness has become the toast of the village where he has lived all his life.

Mr Furness has become the first person to receive the Killinghall Award from the parish council, near Harrogate.

He was invited back to the village's primary school - where he now helps youngsters cross the road - to be presented with the award.

Mr Furness, 66, worked for the highways department for 20 years until he retired six years ago. He took up his present role shortly afterwards, following an appeal from his former school.

The parish council plans to present an award every year to those people in the community who do things for others. Mr Furness was presented with the first in front of 100 youngsters at the school by the parish council chairwoman, Anne Holdsworth, who also chairs the school governors.

Headteacher Shona Watson said: "Fred is such a valued member of the school team and is so well liked by all the children that it was a delight to see him getting this special award."

Mr Furness , who lives with his wife, Brenda, in one of the oldest parts of the village, said the presentation had come as a surprise.

"I always thought such awards only went to important people," he said.

He intends to carry on with his crossing patrol duties.

"Apart from anything else it is the only job I've ever done where I've felt really appreciated, and that helps to make it worthwhile," he said.