Lollipop lady signs off after 32 years of service

Julie Bennett worked on the same Stevenage street for more than 30 years

A lollipop lady who worked outside the same school for 32 years said the best thing about the job was seeing generations of children grow up.

Julie Bennett, 71, has halted traffic for the last time after working at Featherstone Wood Primary School in Stevenage, whatever the weather.

She said over the years she had noticed more traffic, but thankfully incidents of anyone being rude to her were "few and far between".

Leaving her post had been "emotional", she said, but it would give her the time back to "have a clear out" of her house.

Mrs Bennett said she received many lovely messages on her last day and was told by children she would be missed

Mrs Bennett said she enjoyed her tenure, "except for the bad winters".

"The best thing about the job is meeting lots of different people and seeing all the generations growing up.

"I saw a man who said, 'I remember you when I used to go to school', and he was all grown up.

"Not a lot has changed, but there's now more traffic."

She was on duty four times a day - at the start and end of both the school day and lunch breaks.

Her last shift was on Friday.

"Now I have more time, I have lots of jobs lined up, sorting the house out and having a clear-out - I'll be free of the clock," she said.

"I hope I've made it safer for the children. It's emotional, it's a long time to be in a job.

"With the cold and wet winter coming, it's a good time to finish."

Rob Bennett, Mrs Bennett's son, was there with her on her last day and saw her presented with a cake, certificate, balloon and a number of presents from the children

Her family said they were "proud" of her and she was given the "perfect send-off" with cake and presents.

"Being a visible pillar of the community for over three decades and keeping children safe crossing the road on Shephall Way come wind, rain and shine, is certainly something to celebrate," they said.