Lollipop lady clocks nearly 3,000 miles helping two generations of children

She has braved all weathers to halt traffic and help local children cross the road three times a day and she is so well-known that car drivers beep and wave as they pass her in tribute to her dedication.

Her long service has spanned generations of pupils and she now finds herself helping the children of former pupils, who rush to greet her when they reach the road. She said: “Winters are hard, but I don’t like summer. I get too hot in my uniform because I have to wear long sleeves and I have to screw my eyes up to see the cars when its sunny.

“But the job is fantastic. I think all the walking has helped keep me fit.”

It is estimated that she has clocked up 2,866 miles by traversing a busy crossroads an estimated 800,000 times to help around one million children get to and from school.

The 62-year-old, of Huddersfield, who also works as a cleaner, said: “I have always enjoyed it and it is nice when people remember me.” She added: “I want to carry on for as along as I can, if the arthritis in my legs lets me.

“Most motorists are courteous but some people are always in a rush. I thought my time was up one day when a car came speeding down the road and didn’t even stop.

“Luckily there were no kids about and I managed to get out of the way.”

Ms Boxall began her school patrol role at Birkby Juniors and Birkby Infants, in Huddersfield, in 1981 at the age of 32 as a joke.

The mother-of-two said: “The lollipop lady was retiring and she asked if I wanted to take over, so I jokingly said yes. I didn’t think I’d last longer than a few weeks, but I really enjoy it.”

To mark her dedication and commitment, Linda was presented with flowers by her colleagues at Kirklees Council to mark her 30 years.

She also took part in a special assembly where the children showed their appreciation.

Coun David Sheard said: “Linda is everything we could wish for in a school crossing patrol.

“She loves her job and all the children adore her.

“In some cases she has crossed two generations of children from local families to the local school.