With his fluorescent yellow jacket, lollipop stick and beaming smile, Terry Rowe, pictured, is a familiar sight for pupils heading to their Bradford school.

The 70-year-old has helped pupils at Greengates Primary School cross the busy New Line-Harrogate Road junction for the last five years as a lollipop man.

And now the Bradford man has been awarded for his important safety work by being voted the North East's best crossing patrol person in the Domino's Pizza Lollipop Person of the Year 2002 Competition after defeating hundreds of rivals for the title.

As well as helping the youngsters at the school in Stockhill Road, Greengates, cross the busy junction, he also gives nursery, reception and first year pupils lessons to teach them the basics of road safety.

Mr Rowe said he tries to teach pupils road safety skills when they are young so they understand the dangers of traffic at an early age.

"I maintain that while they are young and if taught properly children can get road safety in their minds and once they know the basics they've got them for life," said Mr Rowe, who is employed by Education Bradford.

Dawn Mcguire, a parental involvement officer at the school, nominated Mr Rowe for the prize. She said his lessons had been "an act above the call of duty" for a lollipop man.

"Terry is such a friendly and lovely person and he would do anything for anybody," said Mrs Mcguire.

Head teacher Barbara Spencer applauded Mr Rowe's work and awarded him with a trophy at a special assembly.

"We are all just delighted that he has won because he does so much for the children," she said. "This award is a recognition for all the years he has given to this public service.

"If there are any dangerous incidents on the crossing that are a matter of concern Terry will come in and tell me about them and it is a real help."

Pupils Sean and Janessa, both eight-years-old, said Mr Rowe is always friendly and helpful.

"He takes children on walks to teach them road safety codes," said Janessa. "He's really kind to people."

Mr Rowe said he hopes to carry on his work.

He said: "I hope to carry on in the job for as long as I am able to. I enjoy it and have a great relationships with the children."

During the assembly pupils cut a ceremonial ribbon to mark the opening of their new school - the first new build primary school to be completed under the Bradford Schools Reorganisation Programme.

Greengates Primary School can now accommodate 210 full time and 52 part time pupils and the new building includes seven classrooms, a new 26-place nursery, common room, disabled facilities and a 22,000 sq ft games pitch.

Mrs Spencer said: "The pupils and staff are enjoying the facilities immensely. The new building will enable us to fulfil our school motto of 'Learning to Succeed' in a well-designed building in a superb setting."

Phil Green, Bradford Council's director of education, said: "It is excellent to see another great new facility opening at Greengates and I'm sure the pupils and staff will enjoy all that the facilities have to offer."