I WOULD like to thank all those who voted for Joyce Donkin to be awarded the Public Sector Hero at the Community Pride Awards 2014.

I nominated Joyce because she is a true public sector hero who has seen thousands of children, their children and even grandchildren across the road outside Fishergate School, including myself, during the past 40 years. I remember her starting the job and it’s great she is still there.

As I wrote in my nomination: “She was always fantastic with the children and back in the 1970s had to cope with sugar beets falling off the high uncovered wagons, ‘white-outs’ from the glass works, and battle with the traffic. It was not an easy job.”

Even when I left Fishergate and then went on through education and employment, Joyce has always been one of those people who will say hello as you pass and stop for a chat. If anyone ever wants to consider being a school crossing person, Joyce is the one to talk to.

Cllr Tracey Simpson-Laing, Deputy Cabinet Leader, City of York Council, Amberley Street, York.