An appeal has been made to try to recruit school crossing patrol officers, or lollipop men and women as they were previously known, to work outside schools in Leicestershire.

Transport officials said there were 32 empty crossing patrol posts around the county, which they wanted to fill to protect pupils.

Leicestershire County Council said the role could be challenging but also rewarding, as it held an event to thank people already in the positions on Friday.

Cabinet member for transport and highways, Andrew Hamilton-Gray, said some existing employees had clocked up between 30 and 50 years' experience, but that it was hard to attract new candidates to the role.

"It is a challenge to fill those positions for various reasons", Hamilton-Gray said.

"You've got to get out in all weathers, all times of the year, whether it's snow, ice, rain and freezing temperatures or on very hot days.

"But I think the rewards of making sure our children get to school safely far outweigh those [reasons]. It's an extremely important and valuable role", he added.

Former soldier Nobby Clarke, 65, said he became a crossing patrol officer outside Christ Church & St Peter's CofE Primary School in Mountsorrel, near Loughborough, three years ago.

"I absolutely love it. You can't get a better feeling," he said.

"I go out in the morning, big smile on my face. I move that smile on to the children. [So] when they go into the classroom, they've got a smile on their face.

Harold Clark, 80, said he has been in the post for 16 years, outside the Lift Beacon primary school in Loughborough.

"I never ever think, 'not today for me'. I always want to get out there.

"I love watching the kids, making sure they are safe and getting to know the parents", he added.

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