A LOLLIPOP lady is retiring after 37 years of helping youngsters cross the road in safety.

Grandmother Hazel Oughton, 68, has been working at Helsby Hillside Primary School cross safely for nearly four decades, and even helped the offspring of the children she first assisted.

She said: “I must have walked thousands of miles in the 37 years and crossed over millions of children. I have even crossed over the first grandchild of a child I originally crossed over. That was always my ambition.”

Hazel, of Queens Drive, Helsby, where she lives with her husband David, received an MBE several years ago for services to the community.

She said: “I will be sorry to leave it. I’m only leaving because I have got arthritis or I would have tried to go on for longer. I’m not retiring completely, I will be staying in the school so I’ll still see the children,” she added.

The long-serving community champion will be hanging up her fluorescent jacket on December 21 but will take up a new role as lunch assistant.

Helsby Hillside Primary School headteacher Rob Seabrook said: “. She’s been here for four decades and done a wonderful job. She’s a very popular member of the community and she’s well know by everyone.

“Hazel and Helsby Hillside Primary School aren’t parting company for good though as she will continue to work as a mid-day assistant.”

Asked if she will miss wearing the unmistakable fluorescent yellow coat, Hazel, who has two children and two grandchildren who attend Helsby High School, added: “It’s all right in winter but in summer it’s a terrible colour because of all the flies.”