TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular lollipop lady who died after a long illness.

Sue Wright, 53, of South Bents, Sunderland, died last week after a two-year fight against cancer.

She was a crossing patrol lady at the junction of Tunstall Road and Tunstall Park for seven years.

Sunderland City Council's principal road safety officer Amelia Forrester said: "Sue was a lovely lady. The St Aidan's pupils absolutely adored her."

Her job also brought her into contact with pupils of St Mary's RC Primary School, Southmoor School and Hill View Junior School.

A funeral service is set for Sunderland Minster at 2.15pm tomorrow, with cremation at Sunderland Crematorium.