A lollipop lady who has helped children safely cross the road for nearly three decades has retired.

Joan Roberts, who lives in Northfield Gardens, Wymondham, hung up her lollipop and said a final farewell to staff and pupils at Browick Road Infant School yesterday.

Mrs Roberts, who has been a lollipop lady for 29 years started her career at Garrick Green Infant School, in Old Catton. She has worked in schools in Earlham and Costessey before moving to Wymondham 14 years ago.

The mother-of-six, who will celebrate her 75th birthday in March, said: 'I like meeting people and their children and it's good to see them grow up.

'The job worked well with school holidays. I have loved my job from the start.

'But I have got a couple of chest infections over the past couple of years and standing outside in the cold doesn't help.

'Last December I was hit by a car while I was at work. I had a week off but I was shaken up.'

Staff and pupils at the school held a leaving assembly for Mrs Roberts on Monday and presented her with flowers and gift vouchers.

'They also gave me a tea towel and all of the children had drawn their faces on it. They also made me a lollipop book and the children wrote their names inside,' added Mrs Roberts, who has 14 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

*Do you have a Wymondham story for the Evening News? Call local reporter Lucy Wright on 01603 772439 or email lucy.wright@archant.co.uk