Lollipop lady Margaret Luckett has bid a tearful goodbye to the thousands of youngsters she helped get safely to school.

For 32 years, the 70-year-old has been a regular sight ferrying pupils cross East Street to St Mary's C of E Primary School in Southend.

She has watched the youngsters grow up and then helped take the next generation across the road.

However, all good things come to an end and Margaret has taken voluntary retirement while St Mary's moves to its new home in Boston Avenue.

Margaret attended the school back in the 1940s and both her daughters, now aged 38 and 49, went there.

Margaret, of Tickfield Avenue, Southend, said: "I've been attached to the school for 50 years, so it will be a bit of a wrench leaving.

"I have never had so many cuddles and kisses before. The children have given me ten bunches of flowers, dozens of cards and loads of chocolates."

Head teacher Mary Priestley said: "She has helped an awful lot of children and there parents as well when they came to the school. Everybody thinks the world of her."

You'll be missed - Gemma Chitticks, 11, Leanne Court, eight, Charlie Simmonett, five, and Chelsea Skinner, eight, say goodbye to their favourite lollipop lady

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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