COUNTY Durham’s oldest serving school crossing patrol man has hung up his lollipop after shepherding children safely across the roads for 20 years.

Jim Armstrong, 80, of Seaham, was based at the town’s Seaview Primary School from 1996, where a special assembly was held to give him a send-off.

Headteacher Karen Field presented him and his wife Kath with vouchers, flowers and gifts made by pupils and books of memories and a school crossing patrol sign made from nursery children’s handprints.

Durham County Council’s road safety manager Paul Watson also presented him with a certificate.

Mr Armstrong said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my 20 years as a lollipop man.

“I’ve got to know so many children, parents and members of staff in this time and loved chatting to them all on a daily basis”.

“It’s a really difficult thing to retire but I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone I’ve got to know over the years. I’ll really miss them all.”

Also marking her retirement was Thora Muir, 74, of Horden after 35 years keeping children safe.

She served for 31 years at Cotsford Infant School at Horden, before moving to the Yohden Primary in July 2013.