Lollipop men and women from across Hampshire will be converging on Winchester on Tuesday to celebrate half a century of service.

For 50 years, school crossing patrols have helped children safely across the road. They have become a familiar sight in their luminous jackets and caps, waving giant "lollipops" to stop the traffic and help youngsters across busy roads on their way to and from school.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the national service a reception is being held at Winchester's Great Hall on Tuesday, hosted by the leader of the Hampshire County Council, Peter Hutcheson.

The 385 men and women will be presented with special lapel badges to thank them for their service.

Among those attending the golden jubilee celebrations will be 73-year-old Margaret Cole. As the longest-serving lollipop lady in the Winchester area, she has been on patrol outside Stanmore Primary School for 33 years.

She said: "I am very, very happy to still be there. The children are smashing and I can't speak highly enough of the teachers and head. It has got to be one of the loveliest schools in Hampshire."

"I was off sick for about seven weeks and when I came back on April Fool's Day, it was raining. But I felt like a celebrity as the car horns were tooting and the kids were saying they were pleased I was back."

Hampshire County Council is keen to recruit more crossing patrols.

For more details call: ring 01962 846274 or e-mail school.crossings@hants.gov.uk.