A PAIR of Dudley lollipop wardens are celebrating after notching up a half-century helping pupils get to lessons safely.

Margaret Hannox and Ann Cope have been working for Dudley Council’s crossing patrol service for 25 years each and neither is planning on hanging up their hi-viz uniforms any time soon.

Margaret has spent her entire career helping children to cross the road safely at Jesson’s Primary School, in Grange Road, Dudley.

The grandmother-of-two said: “I started this job after leaving Marks & Spencer when the store was in Dudley. I have loved seeing so many families coming and going to school. I’ve hardly had a day off since starting 25 years ago and I intend to carry on.”

Ann, 57, who lives nearby, took up the job when her children were young because it fitted in with school hours.

She said: “I’ve worked for 19 years crossing children at Jesson’s Primary School on Salop Street and now Himley Road. I love it, the hours are great and you get to know lots of people in the community.”

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley cabinet member for transportation said: “It’s great meeting Ann and Margaret, who clearly love their community and are at the school come rain or shine helping children cross the road safely.

“It’s some achievement notching 50 years between them helping generations of the same families walking to school every day.”

The council-run service, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, helps youngsters cross roads safely which encourages children and families to live a healthier lifestyle by walking to school.