AFTER 31 years as a beloved “lollipop lady” and approaching her 70th birthday Hazel Martindale has no plans for retirement.

Mrs Martindale, is known to generations of folk in Ewood after faithfully ensuring the safe passage of children and parents at St Barthlomew’s on Bolton Road for 25 years before its closure.

For the past six years she has continued her role at The Redeemer School, in Jack Walker Way.

She said: “I love my job, it’s never a bind.

“Seeing the children every morning and afternoon brightens me up and I’ve never regretted taking up the role. I’ve been there so long that some of the children I’ve known bring their own kids to the school and it won’t be long until some become grandparents.”

Mrs Martindale’s dedication is such that she has also been a dinner lady and governor during her association with the schools.

In the past few weeks, she has won praise for changing the location of her crossing to the corner of Parkes Way, meaning most children have fewer roads to cross.

Councillor for the area, Denise Gee, believes the changes Mrs Martindale has done have increased safety.

She said: “The work Hazel does is above and beyond the duty.

“I asked Hazel if she would move to the road junction to enable children to be safely crossed and help parents.

“I was delighted that Hazel agreed.

“The work she does every morning makes a huge difference and I am truly grateful.

“She is a very valuable part of the team.”