The men and women who serve as school crossing patrols, who are most easily recognised by their 'lollipop', were honoured in a celebration on Monday (12 June), to mark the service's platinum anniversary.

Nottinghamshire has over 100 patrol sites which are intended to help primary schoolchildren get to and from school safely. 

Members of the county's school crossing patrols were awarded badges and certificates to mark 70 years since the service began in a celebration at Bilsthorpe Depot, headquarters of Via East Midlands, which delivers the service on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Nottinghamshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, marked the occasion and said: "I am delighted to celebrate the service of our very dedicated school crossing patrols. Our patrols are a key part of their local communities, providing a vital service in helping to keep our children safe and it is important to be aware of them as they go about their work."

Members of the crossing patrols had an opportunity to view a series of videos which featured their long-serving colleagues who talked about why they enjoyed their jobs.

Nottinghamshire's longest serving patrol member is Lesley Fixter, who has been in the role for 32 years in Bassetlaw. She said "Over the years I have really enjoyed my job. I work with a great team and always have support when I need it. I feel that I am an essential part of the community, helping the children to cross every morning and afternoon so that they get to school safely. I hope they also enjoy getting to know me and have picked up important tips on road safety which will stand them in good stead in the future."

Monday's launch kicked off a week of celebrations for school crossing patrols throughout Nottinghamshire with a series of events held across the county.

As part of the festivities, Via has launched an art competition for local primary schools that currently have a School Crossing Patrol, which encourages students to design cards and posters for their school crossing patrol member.

Students in KS1 and KS2 will receive an activity pack with puzzles and games they can enjoy. These will be distributed to schools in Nottinghamshire with the School Crossing Patrol service.

The service was officially created by the School Crossing Patrol Act in 1953. Soon after the passing of the Act, Nottinghamshire set up its own School Crossing Patrol. While the uniform and sign have changed to meet modern standards – and patrols can now stop traffic to allow any pedestrian, adult or child to cross – the role is essentially the same today as it was 70 years ago.

Via is on the lookout for school crossing patrols and there are openings available in all the districts of Nottinghamshire including Hucknall and Linby. Details on how to apply can be found by clicking here.