School celebrates 'legend' lollipop lady's 70th

Carol Hawke has seen generations of schoolchildren grow up and become parents

A lollipop lady who has clocked up 20 years of service says the role is "dangerous but I love my job".

Ahead of her 70th birthday, Carol Hawke has been described as a "complete legend" by staff at Rosewood Primary in Burnley.

They have been celebrating her contribution to the school, where head teacher Nerys Ditchburn Hughes said: "She's so reliable - she knows every child's name."

Ms Hawke, who also has 27 great-grandchildren, described the students as "like my own children" and has watched generations grow up and become parents themselves.

Ms Ditchburn Hughes said the crossing colossus interacts with pupils "in such a way that they know if there's ever an issue they can come to Carol and she is really, really kind to them".

Carol explained: "I know the children's parents and grandmas. I remember the children when they were so small and now they're going to high school.

"I've worked all my life and this has been my best job - working with children."

Pupils have been celebrating Carol Hawke's contribution as she turns 70

Despite her joy in the job, Carol has noticed more drivers speeding and was nearly hit by a car on at least one occasion.

She managed to step back in time "otherwise it would have gone into me", she recalls.

Despite the risks, she says: "As long as I can go on, I will go on. I don't want to retire."