A SCHOOL crossing patrol lady is hanging up her lollipop after almost 40 years.

Three times a day, in sun and snow, 70-year-old Dorothy Locker has helped children cross the road to reach Shotley Bridge Infants School.

She will finally retire on Friday after 37 years’ service and staff and pupils are planning to send her off in style with a meal, while the children are planning decorations in her honour

The great-grandmother has worked at the school in Benfieldside Road since it opened and has given a friendly welcome to generations of under-eights.

Deputy head Chris Lamb said: “She’ll be a huge miss.

“She has seen generations of children coming through and they all love and know her. She’s always cheerful and always laughing.

“We’ve been talking in assembly about things we can do and they’ve mentioned tying balloons to her stick.”

Mrs Locker, who lives nearby in Benfield Close, is married with three grown-up sons, eight granddaughters and a three-year-old great-grandson.

She said: “In all the years I’ve been doing it, I’ve never had a naughty child.

“I’ve enjoyed it all: I like talking to people and I like the children.”

Pupil Isabel Emery, aged seven, from Consett, said: “When I walk past her every day, she always talks to me.”

James Hodgson, also seven, from Shotley Bridge, added: “She’s very kind and helps us cross the road as well.”

Michael McBride, chairman of governors, said: “On behalf of pupils past and present, parents, colleagues and governors, I would like to thank Mrs Locker for all her hard work and devoted service.”