A SCHOOL crossing lady who has been doing the job for 41 years is amongst 15 in the county at risk.

Gill Edwards, 72, has helped thousands of pupils across the road near Northwick Manor Primary School since starting in 1977.

She says that she has seen six generations of children at the crossing spot on Ombersley Road, outside The Vine Inn pub.

She said: “I really enjoy working with kids, you have to be prepared to deal with the good kids and the naughty kids.

“I have seen six generations crossing the road.

“I started when my seven-year-old son said he was too old for me to walk him to school anymore. The school advertised for someone to take the job and I went for it.

“The kids come out with some hilarious stuff, it keeps you on your toes.

“It is difficult to find people to do the job these days.

“It is a part time job but you are needed in the morning and the afternoon and sometimes at dinner time.

“I think it is an important job, but ultimately it is the parents responsibility.

“Time goes so quickly. I saw someone the other day and asked which school he was at now, but he’s 22 and at university now.

Parents praised the job that Ms Edwards has done.

Susanne Ainsworth said: “I think it is important the work that Gill does and we need her and all of the other crossing ladies.”

Michelle Goodman added: “It is very valuable and she has become part of the community now.”

Northwick Manor Primary School, is amongst four in Worcester which are likely to lose their Lollipop patrols in county council cuts.

Worcestershire County Council wants to make 15 Lollipop men or women redundant across the county and if all 15 were made redundant, the council would save £45,000 a year.