POPULAR school crossing lady Alison McDonagh helped children cross the road for the last time before storing away her lollipop stick.

The 41-year-old mum-of-three, from Breightmet, has been helping youngsters' safely for the past two-and-half years and is now moving on to take up a new position at Party and Play in Westhoughton.

She said: “I have loved every minute of it. I have been at the school for six years because I did work as a dinner lady here.

“The children all know me, my daughter Alice is a pupil here and the job fitted in around my family life.”

Mrs McDonagh added: “It is sad that the crossing patrol will not be replaced because it is safer to cross with one, but there are cuts, and hopefully when things improve they can be brought back again.”

Pupil Ebony Langley, aged 11, said: “I really don’t want her to leave, she always puts a smile on my face because she is always cheerful. I have known her for a long time, and without her it will be dangerous to cross the road and the school does need a replacement – but there will be no one like Mrs McDonagh.”