Lollipop lady retires after more than 56 years

A lollipop lady in Lancashire has retired after more than 56 years.

Irene Reid, aged 85, has been helping children to cross roads safely outside a school in Longridge since 1969.

Over the years she has received an MBE for her services to road safety, and even used to help the school's deputy head teacher to cross the road when she was a pupil.

It is thought she might be the UK's longest-serving lollipop lady.

Irene Reid has been helping children cross roads safely since 1969

Speaking about her decision to retire, Irene said: "I'll be missing the children, but it's been 56-and-a-half years - don't forget the half!

"You've got to be completely fit to look after other people's children, and I know I'm not.

"I didn't really mind the weather, but I think it's the wind that finally beat me," she continued.

"It's been so bad lately, it nearly blew me over. I had to hang on to a high-school boy!"

Mrs Reid told BBC Radio Lancashire that she plans to spend her retirement seeing more of her family and her granddaughter's rescue dogs, as well as knitting and sewing.

Do you have a lollipop person to help you to cross the road? If so, what do you love about them? Let us know in the comments.