Britain's oldest lollipop man retires after 'wonderful' career at Yorkshire school

Brian Andrews, 86, has helped thousands of school students cross the busy street outside Anlaby Primary School in Anlaby, East Yorkshire, since 2000.

But after a 24 year career as a lollipop man, Brian has decided to retire due to health reasons which makes him 'very sad' as he'll 'miss the job terribly.'

He said: "I'm very sad but I'll still see the children because they always come running up to me in the supermarket. But I will miss the job terribly, it was something to get out of bed for in the morning.

"I would do a little bit in the morning and then the afternoon. I would see all the kiddies and their parents and grandparents and I've met some lovely people and some marvellous friends. The children have been absolutely wonderful."

The great-grandad-of-one decided to apply for the role after he drove past the school with his wife Kay, 84.

He says he made sure he was 'smiley and jokey' with the parents and children every day, so they would go into school and have a 'happy day.'

Brian, of Anlaby, said: "I enjoyed seeing the children with their mums, dads and grandparents and making sure they are all alright. I am the first person they meet when they get to school so if I meet them all smiley and jokey, then they go to school all happy and have a happy day.

"It's no good being a grump on this job because you've got to be happy in all types of weather and show them that you are enjoying the job and meeting them. It's been an absolute pleasure, the last few years, and they've made my life wonderful."

The octogenarian has helped thousands of students over the years and says that some of the children from when he started, now have kids of their own.

He said: "I would high-five children and then even babies in prams, who would watch their siblings do it, would put their hands up for high-fives. The school, children, parents and grandparents have all been fabulous to me.

"Some of the kiddies who were in the younger years when I started have got children of their own now. I've seen them all come and I've seen them all go and grow up, but I've had a fabulous time with them."

Brian is an avid Hull Kingston Rovers rugby league fan and would often sing different chants when the team won.

He would also entertain the children by singing when it rained, to 'keep the children happy and smiling.'

Brian said: "Every time Hull Kingston Rovers won, I used to sing the 'Red, Red Robin' song when they were all crossing. Some of the children, who were also fans, would be cheering and then others would be laughing.

"When it was raining and miserable, I would often sing 'Singing in the Rain' just to make things happy. It was just so I could see them smile."

A Friends of Anlaby Primary School spokesperson described Brian as a 'stable part of the school day' and added he 'truly deserves his retirement.'

They said: "Brian was a stable part of the school day. Always with a cheery smile and a quick chat. Parents of older ones knew their child was safe when crossing a busy road. Brian will be truly missed but has well and truly deserved his retirement."