A CITY lollipop lady is celebrating 25 years helping the youngsters of Warndon get to school safely, and has no plans to call it a day.

It was way back in the 1978 days of disco and the Jim Callaghan led Labour Government that Jean Phillips first patrolled Cranham Drive, near Warndon Junior School.

Worcestershire County Council celebrated her silver anniversary in the job by presenting her with a Royal Worcester plate to commemorate the achievement.

"The area has changed enormously and the uniform has also moved on but the children stay the same," said the 60-year-old mother-of-two.

"When I started both my children were at school and though the pupils grow up those who replace them are just as well-behaved and pleasant.

Strange

"Sometimes when I'm walking in Worcester people stop me and say 'You used to help me cross the road' and it's very strange as they are about 30."

The pupils at the Edgeworth Close school presented Mrs Phillips with a bouquet of flowers and a set of scented candles to show their gratitude.

Monika Wadeson-Wilcox, headteacher at Warndon Junior, said she had become a crucial part of the school.

"Jean is much loved by all the children and she does an absolutely wonderful job," said Mrs Wadeson-Wilcox.

Mrs Phillips, who lives in nearby Patterdale Drive, reassured pupils it would be a few more years before she considered hanging up her lollipop stick.