After helping thousands of children cross the road safely to get to and from schools for 40 years, a lollipop lady is finally hanging up her stick and putting her feet up in retirement.

Jenny Lewing, who has worked at Barnsole Primary School in Gillingham for 37 years, first started back in 1981 before moving to the school in Barnsole Road.

Medway lollipop lady retiring after keeping children safe on the streets for 40 years

Her first post was patrolling at English Martyrs' Primary School in Frindsbury but the majority of her dedicated service has been to the children and parents at Barnsole where she has seen generations of families safely through the school gates.

Speaking on her retirement earlier this week, Jenny, 72, said she had "enjoyed most of it" but was looking forward to taking it easier from now on and was "excited to see what happens".

She said: "I think I'll miss the children themselves more than anything. It's the different names they call me as they cross – I've been Ladypop and Poplady and Lady Lollipop.

"It's going to be sad not seeing the children and parents again but obviously I'm a bit on the older side and after 40 years, I've had enough.

"They've not known I've been retiring until the last week so it's only know they've realised I won't be coming back.

"I'll see the parents and children around so won't be entirely cut off. I'm just going to chill out now and enjoy my retirement."

Recalling a particular stand-out moment over the decades, Jenny said: "One very funny memory I have was standing on the crossing and watched a magpie look at the old people's home opposite, looked up the steps and looked up the alley.

"Then I had some children to cross and the magpie crossed over with them."

It was the ideal job for Jenny who started in her first position following the birth of her daughter.

"I had two children already and got the school holidays off with them so it worked out very well," Jenny said. "I will miss my job and I would recommend becoming school crossing patrol to others."

She added it was important for drivers and other road users to remember to be patient and careful particularly while on the roads near schools.

Jenny's shoes will be a tough job to fill having become a key member of the school community and a big character.

Tracey Bell, head teacher at Barnsole school, said: "We want to express thanks and gratitude to Jenny from the parents, the community, the staff, and of course the children at Barnsole Primary School.

"For us, its not only about the safety and crossing the road, it’s the character that Jenny brings to Barnsole, it’s the smiles in the morning, it’s the regularity that we see her coming in with those big smiles, whether its raining or snowing, hot or cold.

"We want to say a massive thank you to her, as an individual, for keeping the children safe."

Cllr Phil Filmer, portfolio holder for frontline services at Medway Council, which has been Jenny's employer, said: "On behalf of the children, parents and carers of Barnsole Primary School, I would like to thank Jenny for her 40 years of service.

"Jenny has played a key role in the school community helping children and other pedestrians to cross the road safely, when traveling to and from school.

"The work of Jenny, and all our School Crossing Patrols, is highly valued and supports our aspiration to become a Child-Friendly City.

"Jenny has become a very valued member of the school community, serving several generations over the years. I would like to wish Jenny a very happy and restful retirement after her dedicated work helping to keep the community stay safe."

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