Permanent floral tribute for beloved lollipop lady

'Dot the Lollipop' first started out as a relief lollipop lady in 1970

A permanent floral tribute has been created for a beloved lollipop lady outside the school where she used to work.

Dorothy 'Dot' Ann Thompson MBE, who died last week at the age of 79, was a lollipop lady in North Shields for more than 50 years.

A local florist, who formerly attended the school where 'Dot the Lollipop' used to patrol, has since made a decorative lollipop stick and placed it in Dot's usual spot.

"She's a massive part of North Shields," said florist Charlotte Forster, adding: "The amount of children she's helped cross that road is probably in the thousands."

Dot passed away on 13 September, after more than 50 years as the lollipop lady at St Joseph’s RC Primary School on Wallsend Road.

Mrs Forster has created the red and yellow tribute from artificial flowers so it will last longer.

"When it gets a little tatty we can always pop over and replace anything, as our shop is across the road from the school," she said.

The lollipop stick tribute has been placed in Dot's usual spot outside the school

Dot's sister, Marjorie, described her sister as "strong, independent, friendly [and] outgoing", adding she "always had a smile on her face".

"Dot was always thinking of others, and how she could help them," she said.

Marjorie recalled how her sister wore shorts in all weathers and rode her bike everywhere.

"She loved North Shields," she said.

'Loved by everyone'

Dot was awarded an MBE in 2008, in recognition of her road safety and charitable work.

Marjorie said Dot loved gardening and flowers, and "most importantly, loved all her bairns who she took safely across the road for all those decades".

Another one of Dot's sisters, Jacqueline, said she was "loved by everyone and looked after everyone", especially her only son, Darrell.

Dot had been in a nursing home for the final two years of her life following a stroke, but never lost her passion for Newcastle United.

"When we'd visit her in the home we'd say, 'Newcastle's got another win, Dot', and she'd say: 'Get in!' and raise her hand in the air," said Marjorie.