Lollipop men and women have celebrated 50 years of service to the city's children.

And they attended a special forum to mark the golden jubilee.

Organised by Education Bradford at Bradford City's Valley Parade ground, it was an informal event to give them the chance to exchange ideas. They also enjoyed a buffet lunch and were presented with commemorative badges.

Tony Merrifield, Education Bradford's school crossing patrol co-ordinator, said: "It was important for us to do something to mark the anniversary. The work carried out by crossing patrols is often taken for granted but it is integral to the community. Most of our lollipop men and women are held in high regard for the work they do on a daily basis whatever the weather."

Eunice Robinson, 74, became a lollipop lady by chance - and has been doing the job for more than 40 years.

"A friend of mine was working as a lollipop lady and wanted to go back to working in an office, so she asked me to stand in for a while. I said I would but only for a couple of months - and I'm still doing it," said Mrs Robinson, of Tong.

"I enjoy it so much and it keeps me very fit and active. The weather doesn't bother me at all. If it's raining, I sing - that's what I am known in the community for, singing in the rain!"

Mrs Robinson has worked at the same patrol - Tong School - her entire length of service. She remembers 40 years ago having to guide children across the road with a torch because of thick smog.

Michael Gledhill, 42, carries his lollipop in a guitar case to keep it safe.

"I always get asked if it's a guitar and it has become a bit of a joke in my area," said Mr Gledhill, who has patrolled at Green Lane Primary School, Manning-ham, for 12 years, and lives nearby.

"I think it's very important a lollipop man should live in the area he patrols because then he knows the community and they get to know and trust him."