In the past she's been a postbox, a Santa, a Christmas pudding and a turkey but this year Margaret Russell has once again pulled out a cracker of a costume for the festive season.

The lollipop lady has thrown off the luminous yellow jacket for the 15th Christmas in a row in a straight swap for a Christmas cracker.

All in the name of charity, the grandmother of three will be helping children safely across Wimpson Lane, Millbrook, Southampton dressed as a festive cracker.

Margaret, 49, said: "The children think it's great and it brightens up a dull day.

"I have a different costume each year but this year I had a bit of difficulty making it."

For the past six weeks Margaret has been constructing her cardboard costume, much to the annoyance of her retired husband John.

Each year she keeps the schoolchildren guessing as to what she is going to dress up as, and yesterday she unveiled her latest creation.

As well as exciting the interest of pupils at Tanners Brook Middle and Infant Schools and Mason Moor Primary School, Margaret, of Chiltern Green, Millbrook, raises about £100 each year for the mayor's appeal.

This year the mayor is supporting the Rose Road Association which helps Hampshire children with profound disabilities.