A 'LOLLIPOP lady' described as an "inspiration" is retiring at the age of 88 - after more than 50 years of service to Bradford.

School crossing patrol Betty Timbrell, who is 88, has worked at Eldwick Primary School for 28 years and will retire when the school breaks up for Christmas this Friday.

Julie Shackleton, from Eldwick Primary School, said: "Our lollipop lady Betty has thoroughly enjoyed working at Eldwick Primary.

"She started working in local school kitchens and did so for 29 years, before ‘retiring’.

"She then started on the school crossing and has done this for a further 28 years.

"This gives Betty a length of service for Bradford Council of 57 years. This is a remarkable achievement."

"We want to let the local community know about her dedication to our school and the children.

"All the children past and present love Betty and she will be sorely missed when she retires.

"She's just been an inspiration," said Jean Presland, business manager at Eldwick Primary School.

"She's here every day without fail whatever the weather.

"She loves the job and is an absolutely model person.

"We want to mark the occasion and celebrate her time with us.

Betty, who was once crowned Bradford's favourite school cross patrol, spoke to the T&A a few years ago about her love for the job.

“I love being with the children,” Betty said. “I used to work in the kitchen at Gilstead Middle School so some of the parents know me from there. Their children have grown up alongside me.”

Sue Heaton, school crossing patrol co-ordinator for Bradford Council, said: "Betty has been a valued member of our staff."

Sue said Betty started working as a school crossing for Bradford Council in 1993.

"That's a very long time. Betty has certainly been our eldest school crossing patrol in Bradford.

"She will be sadly missed by us and the school community.

"She's always been there with a smile and a hello, regardless of the weather.

"She's very personable and is a lovely lady," added Sue. "She's always happy to get the children across the road safely."

Betty is one of about 90 school crossing patrols across the Bradford district, and Sue thinks that crossing patrols have to put up with a lot more from drivers these days.

"But our school crossing patrols do the best they can in the circumstances and Betty has been fantastic."