A HUSBAND and wife who between them have kept generations of schoolchildren safe on village roads are stepping into the spotlight this afternoon.

Pensioners Joan Howard and her husband, Ronnie, have been invited to open West Auckland Carnival in recognition of their work as lollipop crossing attendants at Copeland Road School.

Mrs Howard, 79, has done the job for 30 years, while her 81-year-old husband is a relative newcomer, with only seven years' service, although he also spent nine years as school caretaker.

They live opposite the school, where Mrs Howard is on duty morning, lunchtime and in the afternoon. She also helps out in the kitchen for events in the school, raising money for school funds.

Mr Howard works in Staindrop Road and is grateful to the town's new bypass for reducing the traffic.

The carnival gets under way at 1pm on the village green. Abby Marie Howe was chosen as the carnival queen at a disco on Monday night, and will lead a parade around the green with her princesses, Caitlin Hughes and Mia Woodvine, and prince Cameron Gilby.

Displays by police dogs, line dancers the Country Crazy Kickers, the fire brigade, stalls and an adult football tournament go on until 4.30pm.