Parents scared for their children's safety because of a lack of a school crossing patrol have had a knight in shining protective clothing come to their rescue.

When Michael Townend, 30, read in his Telegraph & Argus how children were running the gauntlet with cars across Swain House Road to get to school he decided enough was enough.

He rang Tony Merifield, Bradford Council's school crossing patrol co-ordinator, offered his services and was given the job.

For just over a week the dad-of-two has been stopping the busy traffic in its tracks twice a day to guide youngsters safely to and from Swainhouse First and Middle schools.

Mr Townend, of Muirhead Drive, Holmewood, who was previously unemployed, said: "I did it for the kids really. I know how hard it is to get across the road because I used to take my daughter Tania, who's five, to the first school.

"My girlfriend Lyn takes her now and Tania loves her daddy being a lollypop man. Every morning she crosses over here she says 'hi dad'.

"All the kids and the parents are really happy now and they say to me 'it's good to see you here' and 'it's about time somebody got put on the crossing'."

Tony Merifield said the Swainhouse crossing crisis came about after Elaine Smith, who was the crossing patrol for 18 years, was forced to retire due to ill health in March.

He added: "There has always been a shortage of lollypop people. We've got 40 vacancies but that's out of 187 crossing points.

"Anyone aged 18 to 69 can apply for the job, it doesn't just have to be older people as Michael has shown."

Mum-of-two Sarah Porter, 33, of Wrose Road, who called the crossing a "death trap" said: "It's nice to know there is someone there to watch over the children."

And Deborah Daykin, 35, of Plumpton Close, who also has two children said she was very relieved Mr Townend had been appointed.

Anyone who wants to become a school crossing patrol should call Tony Merifield on (01274) 751960.

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