She has been a familiar to sight for over 30 years on Cuckfield Rd during term time, as the Crossing Patrol officer, but Helen Smith finally hung up her high-vis jacket and prepared to pass on the ‘lollipop’ baton, to take a well earned retirement this summer.

She was presented with flowers and well-wishers’ cards at the school by some Year 6 students and she wrote this note to children and parents of St Lawrence:

“Dear all. The time has come for me to hang up my rather unflattering hat for the final time and retire! I have enjoyed every minute of being St Lawrence School’s Lollipop lady and will miss you all. The children have been an absolute pleasure to work with, always friendly, polite and well behaved - they are a credit to themselves, their parents and the school. All being well, arrangements are in hand for cover to be provided from the 9th of June but there is now a vacancy for a full time School Crossing Patrol. I can thoroughly recommend the job and if anyone is interested, I would be happy to answer any questions they might have. Wishing everyone at St Lawrence all the best for the future.” Helen Smith