Lollipop man, 86, plans 'mad week in Benidorm' after retiring

A much-loved lollipop man who is retiring after more than two decades says he is planning a "mad week in Benidorm" to celebrate the milestone.

Arthur Parker, 86, has helped pupils at Leyland Methodist Junior School in Lancashire cross the road safely for 22 years.

He is known for his high fives and infectious smile and said the joy he got out of the job is what had kept him young.

Mr Parker said he had "enjoyed every minute" of his morning and afternoon job.

Speaking about his decision to hang up his lollipop, he said: "It's a busy road and I think I'm getting on a bit over the hill now."

Mr Parker, who is originally from Workington, Cumbria, told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I've enjoyed every minute of it. It keeps me active."

He said: "If I can send them [the pupils] into school with a nice smile on their face, I think I've done a good job."

Mr Parker said he was originally a caretaker at the school but when the last lollipop person left, he took over.

He said former pupils who he used to assist in crossing the road were now grown up, and bringing their own children to the school.

One parent said: "[Mr Parker] is the first person they see and he gears them up for the day.

"There's going to be a lot of sad faces when he goes," she said.

Lily, a Leyland Methodist pupil, said: "I think he is really funny and kind and he makes me laugh."

Another pupil, Chloe, said: "He's a really lovely guy and he always gives high fives and makes kids smile when they cross the road."

Mr Parker said he was feeling emotional.

"It is going to be a sad day on Friday when it all ends. This school is absolutely brilliant."

He added: "I've had some really happy times here."

He said he was "going for a mad week in Benidorm" and plans to visit relatives in his native Workington in his retirement.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected]