POOLE’S school crossing patrol service has celebrated its milestone diamond anniversary.

The borough’s legion of lollipop men and women attended a special ceremony, hosted by outgoing town mayor Cllr Carol Evans, at the council’s Civic Centre headquarters.

Each crossing patrol member received a commemorative badge and a certificate to mark the occasion.

Praising the patrols, Cllr Evans, who is now deputy mayor, said: “I am thrilled to be able to present these mementoes celebrating the important role this service provides to our local community.

“The need for patrols will remain as long as children walk to school and cross busy main roads, so here’s to another 60 years of the service.”

Poole has 26 patrols covering 24 sites across the borough, and a number of relief patrols ready to step in when emergency cover is required.

The idea for school crossing patrols first emerged in east London during the late 1940s. At that time around 90 per cent of children walked to school unaccompanied.

The service was officially created by the School Crossing Act 1953.

Borough of Poole transport spokesman Cllr Xena Dion explained: “When the borough became a unitary authority in 1996, it took over the school crossing patrols that were already in existence within its boundaries.

“Some of those people are still with Poole and continue to provide and excellent service.

“The uniform and lollipop sign have changed a bit to meet evolving standards, and the patrols can now stop traffic to enable any pedestrian, adult or child, to cross, but the role is essentially the same today as it was 60 years ago.”