AN appeal has gone out for new school crossing patrol workers amid a shortage across Darlington.

Out of 28 sites across the town, there are currently eight vacancies for lollipop men and women.

The locations in need of a crossing patrol include Middleton St George, Geneva Road, Carmel Road, Corporation Road, Cleveland Terrace, two on Coniscliffe Road and a mobile post.

Angela Marsh, a school crossing patrol person who is stationed on Grange Road, would recommend the role.

She said: “I love the job.

"You get to be outside every day and meet a lot of people, as well as knowing you’re keeping children safe.

"You see the same people every day so you get a lovely rapport with them, and there are regular coffee mornings to keep up with the other patrollers.”

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council cabinet member for leisure, local environment and transport, said: “Our school crossing patrol people are a well needed, and well loved, part of Darlington’s community.

"It’s a perfect job for friendly people who love the outdoors and are looking for a rewarding career.”

In 2012 when there was a consultation on the future of school crossing patrols amid council budget cuts, more than 6,000 people responded, and a 1,300-signature petition in favour of school crossing patrols was handed in.

The posts are subject to medical, reference and DBS checks, but successful candidates will be given appropriate training and equipment - a regulation lollipop sign and high visibility clothing - will be provided.

They will need to be available twice a day, morning and evening, during term time.

Elsewhere in the region school crossing patrols are under threat.

Earlier this year a campaign was launched to protect lollipop staff in Sunderland.

It came after the council proposed to reduce the amount of school crossing patrol workers in the city.

School crossing patrols are put in place according to Road Safety GB guidelines at locations where there are high levels of children crossing and vehicles on the road.