More than 30 parents, pupils and teachers at Luddenden Foot Junior and Infant School, Halifax, marched across Burnley Road waving posters, placards and dressed as zebras to highlight the problem.

It was organised by mum Jenny Schofied after her seven-year-old son Finley was nearly knocked down by a transit van last week.

She said: "It was terrifying and a miracle he wasn't seriously injured. We suffer so many near misses on this bit of road and it is time somebody did something about it.

"It seems like nobody is treating us as a priority until a child is killed but we need action now."

Joanna Marland, a governor and parent at the school, said: "We haven't had a lollipop man for nearly two years and the situation has become ridiculous. We are right at the end of the 50mph speed limit here, drivers just don't seem to think we matter and come haring past."

The school which has 116 pupils aged between four and 11 are backing the protests.

Simon Bromley, who has been head teacher for the past nine years, said: "We are constantly scared about what might happen and It is a miracle nobody has been seriously hurt.

"I was even nearly run over myself recently as I helped children across the road."

Pupil Rebecca Gorin, nine, said: "Sometimes I am really worried when I cross the road and it is just not fair.

"Drivers need to notice us and slow down."

Clive Aylott, school crossing patrol manager for Calderdale Council, said the vacancy for a lollipop lady has been open but they have so far had no takers.

Anyone interested can call 01422 392 808.