HER smile and enthusiasm have helped keep children safe, says Halton Council.

Long serving lollipop lady Mary Gittens is retiring - at the age of 70.

"Mary's cheerful nature, enthusiasm and dedication to her job will be very much missed by everyone at Halton's road safety team, her patrol colleagues, teachers, parents and children," said Sue Davies, Halton's crossing patrol supervisor.

Mobile school crossing patrolwoman Mary has provided emergency cover since 1999, stepping in for absent colleagues throughout Halton.

No two days have ever been the same as she often covered one patrol in the morning and a different one in the afternoon.

"It can be a demanding job, working in all weathers and sometimes having to cope with thoughtless behaviour from drivers," said Sue.

"But patrols quickly become part of their local community.

"We appreciate the hard work, dedication and commitment of all our school crossing patrols, who play a key role in keeping the children of Halton safe on their journey to and from school each day."

A keen gardener and gifted cook, Mary loves baking and making her own wine.

She often treated her patrol colleagues to her homemade cakes.

Anyone interested in becoming a school crossing patrol should call Sue Davies on 0151-471 7365.