A lollipop man has called it a day - claiming the road he works on is too dangerous.

William Shears has been a traffic warden outside Pool Primary School, Main Street, Pool-in-Wharfedale, for four years but after three near misses he is hanging up his hat.

The 69-year-old has campaigned for a safer crossing outside the school for two years - but now he feels his complaints have fallen on deaf ears.

The pensioner will escort children across the zebra crossing for the last time tomorrow, before the school breaks up for the summer.

Mr Shears vowed to retire unless adequate improvements were made, but on Monday last week a car nearly struck him and prompted him to make a move.

Over the past year Leeds City Council highways department has assessed the road to see if it warranted a pelican crossing as he requested.

A spokesman from Leeds City Council has previously told the Wharfedale that it would be physically impossible for them to do this as the footway was not wide enough.

Three weeks ago a new crossing was erected on Main Street, but 100 yards away from the zebra crossing which Mr Shears mans.

"We wanted a push button crossing and they have put one up three weeks ago but 100 yards up the road," he said.

"The highways people said there was no for one here, but engineers came last June and inspected it and they said there was room.

"Last Monday morning a car nearly hit me, this is the third near miss I have had. The cars just drive around people crossing the road.

"I am leaving because it is too dangerous. I shall miss it. They have asked me if I will stay on, but there is no prospect of anything been done to make the crossing safer."

Pool Primary School had invited Mr Shears to a special assembly yesterday morning to thank him for his work and the help he has given the children.

Tricia Auty, from the school, said: "We had an assembly for all the people who give up their time to help the school.

"It is usually for volunteers but we invited Mr Shears because he is retiring we wanted to mark his contribution to the school and the community. He will be missed by everyone."

Mr Shears gathered a 200-name petition for a new crossing to be erected outside the school and also gained the backing of Otley MP Harold Best.

"I am determined not to go back. I have worked very hard getting petitions and attending meetings with residents and Leeds City Council." he said.

"I think they will have trouble finding a replacement. I hope they won't but people I have spoken to know that it is too dangerous. I wear a big yellow cap but the traffic takes no notice.

"I began doing it four years ago, because I am retired and it was something that got me out of the house.

"I have made some very good friends both with the children and the parents, which I will miss very much.

"There have been too many near misses over the last three months and last Monday was the last straw, enough is enough."