COME rain or shine, these “diamond” lollipop men and women help children to cross busy roads outside primary schools across Hampshire.

Every year, the county council hosts an awards ceremony in Winchester to recognise the best-loved school crossing patrols who bring smiles to the faces of pupils while keeping them safe from traffic.

But this year is extra special as it marks 60 years of the school crossing patrol service nationally.

Eleven lollipop men and women were shortlisted for the award in the diamond anniversary year.

School children were asked to send in a poem, drawing or story illustrating why their lollipop man or woman is “a real diamond.”

One finalist was selected in each of the 11 district council areas in Hampshire.

They included Lynne Pothecary from Shakespeare Junior School in Eastleigh, Julia Lovejoy-Brinkman from Droxford Primary School in Winchester and Carol Ibbot from Marchwood Infant School in the New Forest.

But the overall winner, announced at the awards ceremony on July 10, was Belinda Mott from Basingstoke.

Economy, transport and environment chief Cllr Sean Woodward said: “Each and every school crossing patrol does a vital job in helping to keep young children safe on their walk to school.

“It is fantastic to see that they work they do is not only valued by the county council, school and parents but also most importantly by the children themselves as demonstrated by the nominations received.

Mrs Bott was presented with £500 worth of vouchers donated by Ikea in Southampton.