MOST people have affectionate memories of the friendly lollipop man or woman who turned out every school day to ensure their safe walk to class.

And this year they will be paid special attention as the service celebrates its golden jubilee.

Schools throughout Craven will mark the occasion by presenting their own crossing patrol person with a commemorative card and a gold badge at special ceremonies.

The Herald visited Cowling CP School to see exactly how well loved their lollipop lady is.

Wendy Pickles is an integral part of the Cowling community. She lives in the village and for the past six years has been a regular sight at the top of Winkholme helping school children to cross the road.

Come rain or shine, Mrs Pickles and her trusty lollipop are in post from 8.20am to 9am.

She said that she knew all the children and their parents well and each one said a cheery good-morning as they passed by.

Perhaps slightly worrying is the fact that she also knows, for the wrong reasons, some of the regular motorists who drive along that route.

Mrs Pickles said the biggest downside of the job were those motorists who appeared in so much of hurry to get to work that they begrudged pulling up for the lollipop person.

Once 9am arrives and all the youngsters are safely in their lessons you would think that Mrs Pickles would have a rest until the bell sounded at 3.30pm.

But not so. Mrs Pickles joins her young charges and heads into the school to help teach sewing, cooking and design technology.

At 3.30pm she puts back on her bright orange jacket and picks up her lollipop ready to see the children on their way home.

Brian Ward, school crossing patrol assistant supervisor, said Cowling had had a crossing patrol person at the top of Winkholme for about 30 years.

He added all lollipop men and women provided an essential community service, protecting young children and their parents from busy roads.

In places like Skipton however, it has become difficult to find people willing to take on the role.

Only St Stephen's School has a lollipop lady to help youngsters there cross Gargrave Road. Staff and pupils at Parish Church School have been appealing for someone to do the job outside their school for many years.

Anyone aged between 18 and 70 with an hour a day to spare can apply and training is given by a small team of supervisors.

North Yorkshire is one of only two authorities to kit its 100 crossing patrol people out in orange jackets instead of the more traditional yellow. Mr Wade said he thought they were more visible and distinguished the wearer from road workers or people in the emergency services.