Mary Snowdon Come rain or shine, lollipop lady Mary Snowdon has helped children cross the road safely to their Witney school for 30 years.

As a thank-you for her dedication, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School pupils handed over a big bunch of flowers and hand-made cards during a special assembly.

Mrs Snowdon, pictured with some of the children, began working at the school, in Curbridge Road, in 1975, after moving with husband William from Oxford, to Burwell Drive, Witney. Their four sons, Michael, 40, James, 39, Stephen, 36, and Andrew, 33, all attended the school and were among children who Mrs Snowdon helped across the road.

Mrs Snowdon, 68, also worked as a lunchtime assistant at the school for 20 years, until about three years ago, and said she hoped to continue as lollipop lady there until her retirement in 2007.

"Things have changed a lot over the years," she said. "The biggest thing is the traffic -- there was hardly any when I first start but now it's manic. I've seen Witney develop around the school, and with that everything has become much busier.

"My last day here will be one of the hardest times for me."