No plans to stop for lollipop lady of 40 years

Denise Elliott has been helping children cross the road since 1985

A lollipop lady has been recognised for her loyal service after 40 years of helping children cross the road safely in a Derbyshire town.

Denise Elliott, 73, from Matlock, has been a school crossing patrol officer since 1985, guiding multiple generations of children through traffic in all weathers.

Mrs Elliot told the BBC she took on the job in Smedley Street to help pupils get to All Saints' CE Infants, Castle View Primary, St Joseph's Catholic Primary and Highfields School to earn some extra money and to be off with her children in the holidays.

Describing it as her "perfect job", she does not have any plans to retire just yet and said: "I love it so much."

Mrs Elliot's 40 years of service has been recognised by Derbyshire County Council

Mrs Elliot said she often saw children she had helped many years ago again as adults who recognised her.

"The lovely thing is some of the children who finish school and go off to university do come back and have a chat and tell me how they're getting on... it's lovely to know people want to come and tell you how they're doing.

"It's the perfect job, you're meeting lots of people, you're helping the kids, out in the fresh air, it's just wonderful."

Mrs Elliot added she had learned over the years to navigate the changeable Matlock weather and added that foggy conditions were her least favourite to work in.

On plans for retirement, Mrs Elliott said: "As long as I'm able, while ever I'm fit and healthy [I'll continue], it's a reason to get out of bed in a morning and go out and see people."

The milestone was marked with a thank you card from schoolchildren, a bouquet of flowers and a letter of congratulations from Derbyshire County Council.