Berkhamsted lollipop lady celebrates her 40th year on the job as Hertfordshire gears up for Walk to School Week

A lollipop lady described as a 'smiling ray of sunshine' is celebrating 40 years of keeping children safe on their way to and from their school.

Staff, children and parents, at Swing Gate Lane Infant and Nursery School in Berkhamsted, along with representatives from Hertfordshire County Council, honoured Carole Hicks with a virtual, Covid-safe assembly, describing her as 'kind, caring and cheerful - a smiling ray of sunshine'.

The celebration was held on the run-up to the UK’s national Walk to School Week being held from 17-21 May, encouraging walking, scooting and cycling to school, all helped by the essential work of School Crossing Patrols like Carole.

At Carole’s assembly was surprise guest, 46-year-old Paul Allen, who attended the school in 1981 when Carole first started in her role. She now greets his son Elwood each morning to help him to cross the same roads safely.

Francesca Gallagher, Headteacher of Swing Gate Infant and Nursery School said: “We are delighted to have such a wonderful lollipop lady keeping our children safe across Swing Gate Lane. She is a ray of sunshine even on the wettest days and loved by the whole school community.”

Hertfordshire County Council’s School Crossing Patrols will be supporting the UK’s national Walk to School Week from May 17, to May 21.

It’s a five-day active travel challenge which is not only environmentally-friendly but provides valuable exercise for all the family.

Hertfordshire County Council has over 150 schools taking part this year and has encouraged over 42,000 children to get more active, feel more energized and out enjoying their local environment.

Research shows that less traffic on the roads reduces congestion and air pollution at the school gates and improves road safety.

This supports Hertfordshire County Council’s aim to make the county cleaner, greener and more sustainable.

Anyone interested in becoming a School Crossing Patrol in Hertfordshire should contact the Active and Safer Travel Team on 01992 556816 or email: [email protected].

If your school would like to sign up for Hertfordshire’s Walk to School Week, click here.