Parents say children are at risk because Oxfordshire County Council cannot recruit lollipop men and women for dangerous crossings.

Despite major advertising campaigns, only one third of school crossing posts in Oxford have been filled.

The problem has been highlighted after New Marston Primary School pupil George Heath, 10, was almost knocked down as he crossed a busy road.

His mother, Jillian, 42, said: "It's an area of Copse Lane that has been without a crossing patrol for months.

"It is hazardous normally, because the school is right on a bend opposite the Cavalier pub. Children are at risk every day, but at the moment the road's been dug up.

"There are temporary traffic lights, which stop cars from different directions, and parked cars down one end of the road mean children can't see if there are vehicles coming."

New Marston Primary School headteacher, John Kent, said: "We have advertised and the local authority has advertised for a crossing patrol person, but we have had no takers.

"My main concern is about what is going to happen in the future, when traffic to the new John Radcliffe Hospital buildings is routed down Copse Lane."

Mary Clarkson, Oxford City Councillor for Marston and a governor of St Joseph's School, Headley Way, said: "Lack of crossing patrols is a real problem. We advertised for ages before we got someone."

Roy Darke, a Marston city councillor, said: "Work is to start on a toucan crossing on nearby Cherwell Drive in mid may.

"However Copse Lane is a dangerous road."

Roger Keable, the council's school crossing patrol supervisor, said there were only four crossing patrols in Oxford, when there should be 12.

Across the county there are currently 76, when there should be about 100.

He said: "We would like there to be a crossing patrol on Copse Lane but there have been no recruits."

Despite admitting to wanting to become a lollipop man himself when he retires in two years time, Mr Keable said the job is not seen as very appealing.

Lollipop people get £5.89 per hour plus a £5 laundry allowance for washing their uniform and must be aged 18 to 70.

To become a school crossing patroller, call 01865 815615.