THERE’S lots of lolly in the Hope family.

Brother and sister Peter and Lisa Hope are now both on the lollipop school crossing team at Neville’s Cross Bank, in Durham City.

Mr Hope, 27, started the job in 2008 and has been at Neville’s Cross, one of the county’s busiest crossings, since April last year.

He has now been joined by his sister, 36, who is also a driving instructor.

She said: “I was always picking Peter up and dropping him off for work and was often waiting for him so when the job came up I thought to myself, why not go for it? It’s been really good so far.

“We used to run a karate club, so we’re used to it (working together). The kids are great and it’s really rewarding being able to help them get across the road safely.”

Mr Hope, who also works as a carer, said: “We never fall out and it makes the job a lot more relaxing too – I taught her everything at first but now she thinks she’s in charge.

“It’s really important to be in sync with one another and make sure you don’t step out into the road at different times, which is where being brother and sister comes in especially handy as we seem to instinctively know what the other person is going to do.”

Paul Watson, Durham County Council’s road safety manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Lisa to the team and it’s great that she and her brother Peter are providing such a valuable service to the school children.”