ABUSE of a North-East lollipop lady has died down since The Northern Echo highlighted her plight.

Last week, we reported how June Walker, who works as lollipop lady at Nunthorpe Primary School, near Middlesbrough, was being subjected to abuse by children from the neighbouring senior school.

A small number of teenagers were verbally abusing her, swearing and spitting as she helped the children at the primary school to cross the road.

She needed a police escort last week as local officers decided, together with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, to monitor the situation.

But now the problem appears to have eased to the delight of 53-year-old Mrs Walker and the council.

Mike Hall, the council's road safety officer, said: "It all seems to have settled down. The publicity seems to have worked. I think the children have realised they are going to become public outcasts because of their behaviour. I have spoken to the headteacher, John Rowling, and we are both very happy that we have rectified the situation.

"At the end of the day, they are doing a public job and they need support from the public to do that job. We are looking for a happier crossing now."