A LISS woman who has helped thousands of pupils get to school safely is hanging up her hi-vis jacket and apron.

This week has been a strange one for Liss Infant and Junior School pupils as Hill Brow Road is missing its usual lollipop lady.

That’s because Gerry Newman, who was also a dinner lady at the schools, has retired after more than a decade’s service to the parents and pupils of Liss.

Her last shift was an emotional one as she received hugs, leaving presents and goodbye cards from dozens of grateful residents.

She was also presented with a card, cake and a bouquet of flowers during the school’s last assembly before half-term.

“I became lollipop lady 12 years ago and became a dinner lady the year after,” said Gerry, who is leaving to concentrate on a care role.

“I’ll still be around the village but I won’t be doing this any more. I just hope they get someone in to replace me.”

Friends and appreciative parents put up a banner and balloons at the crossing point close to Newman Collard car park for Gerry’s last shift. She received plenty of gratitude throughout the day along with a £175 shopping voucher, a gothic Italian vase and a bouquet of flowers after a collection by the Parent Teacher Association raised more than £200.

Her farewell message to pupils during the special assembly was ‘stay safe and don’t forget to look both ways when you cross the road.’

“When I saw the job advertised I’d been listening to other parents saying how they couldn’t get across the road and there had been trouble,” said Gerry, who hasn’t ruled out becoming a lollipop lady again in the future.

“So when my son left school I decided to do something about it and responded to the advert, but I didn’t expect to be so lucky. Today has been just so overwhelming and is something I will never forget. I wish I didn’t have to leave, if I’m honest.

“I think my main memory will be seeing the children grow up. I’ve had lots of comments and thank-you cards for being a dinner and lollipop lady.”

Hampshire County Council has confirmed it is looking for a replacement crossing guard, and would like to hear from anyone interested in the post.

“We wish Miss Newman all the best for the future and would like to thank her for her work as a school crossing patrol office in Liss,” said the council’s transport chief Rob Humby.