AFTER a decade of ensuring the safety of local schoolchildren, Joan Kent is hanging up her lollipop for the last time.
Joan, the crossing guard at Helmsley County Primary, is believed to be Ryedale's longest-serving lollipop lady.
Until last October, when she fell ill and had a stay in hospital, she had never even taken a day off sick.
"I will miss the children very much because I love them," she said.
"I have even been known to have five of them to tea for my birthday."
Picture: Retiring school crossing guard Joan Kent is joined by children from Helmsley County Primary School
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