Lollipop lady celebrates 90th birthday but not retiring

Pat Hunting turned 90 years old on Sunday

A lollipop lady who has celebrated her 90th birthday says she has no plans to retire.

Pat Hunting has been guiding children safely across the road, outside SS Mary and John’s Catholic Primary Academy in Wolverhampton, for more than 50 years.

Pupils and parents gathered at her crossing ahead of celebrating entering her ninth decade on Sunday.

Ms Hunting said she has loved every one of the 51 years she has worked and felt good helping the children.

'Kind soul'

"I just love the job," she said.

"I love the children. You feel good for doing a good job, [it] makes you feel better [because] you feel like you're doing something good."

Generations of families in the Parkfields areas of the city have been helped to cross the road, and parents described Ms Hunting as "amazing".

One child she helped cross the road years ago, is now a teacher at a nearby school.

Parents said she had "really strong connections" with the local children

Parent Holly Francis, who went to the same school and encountered Ms Hunting as a pupil, said her mother organised the celebrations to mark the milestone.

"She's lovely and such a kind soul," she said.

"She's always been a main figure in the community around here. She takes pride in her job as well.

"[My mother] speaks to Pat quite often and Pat told her it was her birthday coming up, so she wanted to do something special for her and give her the acknowledgement she deserves."

She said she had "really strong connections" with all the local children.

Ms Hunting said she went to church with her family on her birthday and planned to carry on in her job "as long as God will let me".