Lollipop lady's 55-year career honoured by council

A much-loved lollipop lady who has been doing the job for more than five decades in a Lancashire town has received a special award for her service.

Irene Reid, 84, has been helping children cross roads safely on Berry Lane outside Longridge C of E Primary School since 1969.

Mrs Reid has previously received an MBE - and now she has been handed a certificate from Lancashire County Council recognising 55 years of service, complete with gifts including a pen and cup.

"It's a job like marmite, you either love it or you hate it," she said.

The great-grandmother-of-10 continued: "I'm crossing children now when I used to cross their grannies.

"They're now doctors, dentists, I'm thinking I could write a book."

Mrs Reid has also been involved with the Longridge Youth and Community Centre for many years and works with older children doing crafts, drama and artistic projects.

But Lancashire's longest-serving lollipop lady said it is the local people that make the job so special.

"When I went to the palace to see the late Queen and I got the MBE that was fantastic of course it was," she said.

"But a few weeks later when Longridge fire engine and our boys - most of whom I've crossed over - stopped outside our school and presented me with a cap badge, that meant more to me than getting the MBE because it was Longridge. It was my people.

"I've done this job for so long really because of the people in Longridge. They are so nice, they're all behind me."

Mrs Reid's granddaughter Cheryl Thornton-Charnley said: "The whole family's extremely proud. She doesn't forget a single name, she knows everybody right down to the dog.

"That's what makes it so special, it's very personal."

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]