ONE of the country’s longest-serving ‘Lollipop Ladies’ is calling it a day after 36 years’ service.

Sue West, 69, has stood at the busy New Road/Buckeridge Road, Teignmouth, junction in all weathers to ensure children from three schools cross safely.

Down the years she befriended hundreds of youngsters and their parents, and admits she will miss them all.

‘But I have arthritis, and the thought of another winter out in the cold and wet twice a day, is not appealing,’ she admitted.

‘But I have enjoyed doing it over so many years, and chatting to the pupils and hearing about the books they are reading, their pets, outings, and all sorts of things. I will also miss the mums and dads – I used to see some of them across the road when they were going to school.’

Ms West started in September, 1979, as the Hazeldown school crossing patrol at Raleigh Road, when Mike Sleeman was theadteacher.

After a term she moved to the New Road junction, which is nearer her home, where she has also assisted youngsters from two other schools, Trinity and the community school, to cross safely twice a day.

During her time, traffic has increased greatly, and with all the new development off New Road, it will become even busier.

She said: ‘The big majority of drivers are quite considerate and always stop when I signal, but there are always a few who are perhaps running late and reluctant to stop.

‘It will seem a bit strange not to have to walk up to that junction twice a day any more, but there is plenty to do around the house and garden to keep me busy.’

Her last working day will be on Thursday, October 22.