AT the age of 73, Mary Sanders from Hatherleigh is still loving her job as a lollipop lady — and after 25 years service she has been recognised by Devon County Council.

Mary, who patrols Hatherleigh Primary School, was among Devon's army of school crossing patrols who were presented with long service awards by Devon County Council chairman Cllr Mary Strudwick recently.

Head of Hatherleigh Primary School, Linda Mitchell, said Mrs Sanders was proud of the fact that no child in her care had ever been injured.

'She goes above and beyond the call of duty and takes the welfare of the children very seriously,' she said.

'We are very glad Mary is not retiring yet because she would be absolutely irreplacable.'

The award recipient said she had got really attached to the children and was now seeing the second generation across the road to school.

Mary said: 'I went to the school myself so I have had a lot to do with it over the years and being a lollipop lady is a job I really enjoy.

'I've still got two years to go until I have to retire so I'm making the most of it.'