A FORMER mayor has launched a drive for a national Lollipops Day to recognise the efforts of the men and women who help school children cross the road safely.

Mary Cartwright, who used to wear the chain of office for Peterlee Town Council, is appealing for children and parents to give cards or gifts to lollipop people on Monday, December 15.

She said: “I hope to make it an annual event.

“I have friends throughout the country who have started telling people about the idea and hope it will be taken up nationally.

“It is a way to say thank you for looking after us and keeping us safe.”

Mrs Cartwright added: “I used to drive a minibus transporting disabled children – and every morning I would see men and woman standing on street corners in the cold,rain and snow.

“They were there without fail. I admire them so much.

“I run card club in local youth club and thought we make cards for every occasion and so why not make one for people manning our school crossings.

“And why not do it nationally and let everyone know about it. I just want to let them know that we appreciate them so much.”

Mrs Cartwright said a lollipop lady had helped her girls when they were bullied as children.

She said: “One of them would go and stand with lollipop lady until the bullies went off.

“I just think they are not just lollipops, they provide support for the bairns as well.

Helen Winn, who has helped children in Darlington cross the road for more than 20 years, said she was fully behind the plan for a national Lollipops Day.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea,” said Mrs Winn, who patrols the road near Skerne Park Academy. “It would be lovely to get some national recognition.”

However, Mrs Winn said: “You don’t become a lollipop lady for any other reason than helping the children. Just seeing their smiling faces every day is reward enough.”

Mrs Winn has been doing the job so long that some of the children see helped across the road are now parents themselves.

“I think it’s great when some of them say they can remember me from their time at school. I have no plans to retire – I hope to be doing this for some time to come.”