PUPILS will be missing a familiar face outside Tavistock Primary School when their school crossing man hands in his lollipop for the last time. Stuart Tremaine, 75, has been helping pupils from the primary and Tavistock College cross the busy Callington Road for more than eight years. The popular figure is giving up, mainly for health reasons. He said: 'I've enjoyed it very much. I am going to miss the children, especially for the first few months. I have become so used to them over the years.' Stuart, who was born in Gunnislake and now lives with his wife Jean in Bishopsmead, worked in Creber's delicatessen before he 'officially' retired. He also served Tavistock for nine years as a special constable and is a current governor of the primary school. 'The school told me that some of the children were a little upset when they were told,' he said. 'The staff and children said they did not want me to retire but I have to to think about my health.' Joe Flynn, the headteacher of the school, said Stuart will be greatly missed at the school and praised his contribution over the years, both as a school crossing patrol man and a school governor. He said: 'When I come driving down in the morning in the future it just will not be the same when Stuart is not there. I will miss his presence and personality. 'He has been a great asset to our community and has been a very special part of the school. A special 'thank you' has been planned for Stuart by the staff and pupils of the school, which will be held at Tavistock College on December 19 . He is pictured above with some of the pupils. Picture by James Bird