Oxford's own Mrs Lollipop, who has helped children get to school safely for the past four decades, is to be honoured for her hard work.

Val Hignell, 70, has helped children cross roads in Blackbird Leys for 40 years, since taking on the job in 1968.

And on Wednesday, she is to be handed a long-service award at a special ceremony in Kidlington in recognition of her work.

Mrs Hignell, who lives on the estate, in Lobelia Road, said: "I just like doing the job.

"It gets me out the house for a couple of hours, I like talking to people - and I love children.

"It's funny, because the children I was crossing when I started, I'm now crossing with their children.

"You get to know all the children you cross and whenever I see them out-and-about on the estate on the bus, they shout 'hello lollipop'.

"It's great here on Blackbird Leys. I've lived here all my life and the community is fantastic. I've loved being a part of that."

Mrs Hignell began her job when her daughter Claire started at Harebell First School, in Harebell Road.

She worked outside that school, then near Blackbird Leys Community Centre.

She has worked outside Pegasus Primary School, in Field Avenue, for the past 20 years.

Mrs Hignell said she was proud no children had been injured in her time on patrol, but said she had had a couple of near-misses with speeding drivers.

She said: "I got bumped a few years back by a car that was going too fast, but it didn't stop me doing my job.

"I don't want to retire - and I will keep going until I can't physically continue."

As Oxfordshire County Council prepares to honour Mrs Hignell tomorrow night, staff and parents at Pegasus School also paid tribute to her.

Chris Wells, 46, whose children Connor, 10, and Ben, 11, go to the school, said: "She's amazing.

"She knows the kids, the parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters.

"If the cars park on the zig-zag lines, she gets them to move and does a fantastic job. She really deserves to get this award."

Headteacher Jill Hudson said: "Val is always here, come rain or shine, and she seems to know everyone on the estate and they all like her.

"She's a real symbol of everything that's good about Blackbird Leys and this community - she's truly amazing."