LOLLIPOP men and women in Darlington celebrated 50 years of school crossing patrols.

In 1953 ten patrol staff and two reserves were appointed to help school children cross the road at 12 locations in the town. They were paid 30 shillings a week with 20 shillings retainer per week over the school holidays.

There are now more than 40 men and women, affectionately known as lollies, operating crossing patrols in the town.

Current staff, some wearing the old school crossing patrol uniforms, met last week for a 50th birthday party in the Dolphin Centre.