A NORTH Yorkshire lollipop lady is retiring after a career in which she was known to invite the children she helped keep safe back to her home for tea.

Tomorrow, Joan Kent gives up her job outside Helmsley County Primary School.

"It's been ten years," said Joan. "I will miss the children very much because I love the children. I have even been known to have five of them to tea for my birthday!"

Joan thinks she was Ryedale's longest-serving crossing lady. "I never had a day off sick until last October," she said.

"Then I had to spend nine weeks in hospital. I felt sad to have to stop, but health comes first."

But time will not lie idle on Joan's hands. She will be travelling with her son, Peter Kent, showing his rabbits.

"I'll have plenty to occupy my mind," she said. "I'll get gardening too."

School crossing patrol supervisor Sally Readman said in some areas it was difficult to get people to patrol crossings, but Ryedale was different.

She said volunteers were always needed, so should anyone be interested in applying they should contact her on 01609 532764.

Updated: 10:16 Thursday, January 10, 2002