Vanessa Hoare and Thelma Ingham braved the pre-Christmas downpours to see their charges safely across a busy Middlesbrough junction for the last time.
They’ve been familiar faces to the town’s schoolchildren since 2002, but December saw them make their final crossings at the busy junction of Clairville Road and Marton Road near St Joseph’s Primary School.
Thelma actually started as a casual in 1999, and said she’d enjoyed every day in the role.
The 73-year-old said: “I’ve loved every minute of it, seeing the children and their parents and having a chat.
“I’ve got to see them grow up, and I’ve seen some of them bring their own children along.
“When people say I look well, I put it down to this job and being out in all weathers – it’s great for you and it keeps you going.
“It’s just time for me to go now, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the crossing patrol to anyone even thinking of giving it a go.”
Vanessa, 62, worked on Cargo Fleet Lane until 2010, and still works as a dinner lady at Trinity Catholic College, but decided it was time to hand over her lollipop.
She said: “I’ve loved all of it, the kids and the parents, and this is a beautiful crossing.
“It was just my time to move on, but I had no hesitation in recommending it to my successor, and I know he’ll enjoy it as much as I have.”
Councillor Peter Gavigan, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Environment & Sustainability, said: “It’s all too easy to take them for granted, but our lollipop men and women play a vital role in the life of the town, and that’s why they’re loved by all.
“They’re there with a welcoming smile come rain or shine – and it was certainly raining on Thelma and Vanessa’s last day.
“On behalf of the town I’d like to thank them for their service over the last two decades and more – they really have made a difference to countless lives.”
• For more information on the School Crossing Patrol service visit School crossing patrol service | Middlesbrough Council
For the latest casual vacancies, visit Casual School Crossing Patrol Officer
