A Rhondda lollipop lady had retired after 35 years of service.
Carol Evans, a school crossing patrol officer at Pontrhondda Primary school, has hung up her high-viz jacket and her patrol sign for the final time and retired after 35 years.
The 65-year-old from Llwynypia, Rhondda has worked in all weather conditions to help generations of Rhondda children safely cross the road every day for three decades.
Mrs Evans has been married to her husband Anthony for 47 years, and now plans to enjoy her retirement with her family, which includes her two children and three grandchildren.
Known affectionately to many as the 'Lollipop Lady', Mrs Evans says she will miss all the staff, the children and their parents – many of whom she helped cross the road when they were once children themselves.
Mrs Evans said: “I have such wonderful memories of my time at Pontrhondda Primary School. It is going to leave a huge hole in my life, but I have enjoyed all of my time working there.
“I have absolutely loved it. Being the school crossing patrol officer meant the world to me, teaching young children how to cross the road carefully and safely and showing respect to motorists. These are skills they will hopefully carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
After more than three decades of service, Mrs Evans received lots of gifts, cards and flowers from well-wishers, including many from grateful parents, who themselves were once escorted across the road safely by her during their time at the school.
Councillor Joy Rosser, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cabinet Member for Education and Inclusion Services, said: “I would like to thank Carol for her amazing long service at Pontrhondda Primary School. I know everyone involved with the school is going to miss her greatly.
“On today’s busy roads, it takes special qualities to step out and stop traffic calmly, at the same time keeping the attention of the children until they have crossed the road safely, whatever the weather. We wish Carol Evans a very happy, healthy and well-deserved retirement.”
Alyson James, Head at Pontrhondda Primary School, said: “For three decades Carol has played a vital role in ensuring the children and parents at Pontrhondda Primary get to and from school safely, rain or shine.
“She has been a popular figure in the local community, greeting everyone with a guaranteed smile and a wave each day. Carol has loved her job and will be missed by us all. We wish her well and a happy, safe and long retirement.”
The Council’s School Crossing Patrol Service (SCP) provides a vital role in ensuring the safety of adults and children whilst travelling on their journeys to and from school. The SCP is a dedicated member of the Council’s Road Safety Team and all within the team also wish Mrs Evans a healthy and happy retirement.
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