SCHOOL crossing patrols across North Yorkshire have been commended for their dedicated service as part of the golden jubilee of lollipop men and women.

Each school day in North Yorkshire more than 100 patrols see thousands of pupils safely across the county's roads.

To commend their hard work, lollipop men and women will be honoured with a commemorative card and a special gold badge.

At Pickering, crossing patrols who work throughout the town, went to a celebration at the community junior school where they were commended for their hard work.

Heather Boyes, Cath Ellerby, Olive Arundale, Barbara Ellerby, Brenda Fenwick, Tracey Cook, Iona Mathers, Alec Johnson, Sue Warriner and Sally Readman have clocked up 83 years' service between them.

Coun Peter Sowray, the county council's executive member for environmental services, said: "The school crossing patrol service in North Yorkshire is a highly-motivated team which is dedicated to road safety. We are indebted to their conscientious attitude."

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, April 30, 2003