A CROSSING warden has been named best in the North-East.

Eric Allen, 58, from Coxhoe, County Durham, works near St Oswald’s Infant and Nursery School, in Durham City.

He won the regional heat of Kwik Fit Insurance’s annual search for Lollipop Person of the Year.

Pupils submitted poems, paintings and drawings praising his good work.

Mr Allen, who is also the premises manager for the school and took on the crossing patrol job in 2005 on a temporary basis, said: “It was a fantastic surprise.

“It’s a very difficult but important job, as Church Street is a very busy spot, but the children make it worthwhile.

“I care deeply about the school, the children and the parents. St Oswald’s is a very close-knit school and we all work as a unit, so this award is really special.”

Mr Allen won £500 in travel vouchers, £100 in book vouchers for his school and an engraved trophy in the shape of a lollipop.

He is now in the running for the national title, where he could win a £1,500 holiday and £200 in book vouchers for his school, as well as a school visit from Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson.

Headteacher Patricia Griffin said: “Our pupils took great time and effort in putting together their campaign to nominate Eric, and it is great to see their hard work rewarded in this way.

“Eric is a wonderful lollipop man. He has a happy hello for everyone, no matter the weather, and for that we are very grateful.”