A WORCESTER lollipop lady has been awarded with a commemorative plate for long service from the children she helps cross the road.

Jean Birbeck has been keeping Red Hill CE Primary School children safe for 31 years.

At a special assembly on Tuesday, she was recognised for her long service.

"We only discovered recently that she had been crossing the roads here for 31 years," said Barbara Bristow, lollipop lady supervisor.

"We thought we should give her something in recognition of that.

"But she has no plans to retire just yet."

Lunchtime supervisor Carol Griffiths was also given a present by children after retiring from the school after 23 years.

"She's seen a lot of children go through the school and a change of staff over the years," said Cath Wood, senior supervisor.

"We had a special assembly and children bought her a personal CD player and the supervisors gave her a Polaroid camera.

"She will be missed by all of us but it is a well-deserved rest."