Lollipop lady Gladys notches up 40 years on the same beat

An 82 year old lollipop lady was honoured after helping children and parents cross the same busy road for the last 40 years.

Gladys Ashby, who started her beat on Half Moon Lane in Dulwich in South London on October 27 1970, was awarded a vase and a bunch of flowers on the exact day she notched up four decades on the same crossing.

Gladys has been a patrol officer for so long she has helped hundreds of thousands of children across the road and then seen some of their children safely over the road a generation later.  

Come rain or shine she has helped the children, who are from several schools in the area, safely across the road and is still enjoying her work. 

She said: "I love the job here and I get on well with the children and the parents. I also try to smile to the drivers, as I find that helps. I know I've been doing the job a long time, especially when the children grow up and come to me years later to say hello or thanks." 

Catherine McDonald, cabinet member for children's services at Southwark Council, said: "Gladys is an amazing example of the good work that our parking service does around the borough. The dedication of our lollipop men and women makes a huge difference to the safety of school children, and keeps traffic moving. I'd like to thank her for her amazing dedication and for being such a great role model in the area." 

Michelle McCormack, SCP team manager at APCOA, Southwark Council's transport and parking services contractor, said: "Her priority is to cross everyone safely and she does so with a passion.

"She is extremely proud of her role in the community in Dulwich and valued by all who are privileged enough to know her. Mrs Ashby remains undeterred by the weather and abusive motorists, she carries on regardless. Even in the deep snow earlier in the year she could be found on duty. She is a very special very special lady, and I for one am very proud to work with her."