Dedicated lollipop lady honoured

Brenda Forcer, 59, has been the lollipop lady for Foxhill Primary School, Queensbury, for 25 years.

And last week, staff, pupils and parents celebrated her time with a special assembly.

As one of the highest schools in England, Foxhill is often battered by high winds and snow

But hardy Mrs Forcer has always braved the bad weather to help children cross the busy Brighouse and Denholme Gate Road.

Head teacher Sally Hey is full of praise for Mrs Forcer and says she is an integral part of the school.

She said: “The kids love her, in the special assembly they were all going up to her and giving her hugs.

“She’s a very important part of the school community.

“We are one of the highest schools in England and on a busy road and for 25 years she has been seeing our pupils across the road.

“That’s some dedication.

“She’s out in all weathers and rarely does not turn up for work - she is always here.

“Brenda is very much a part of the staff team and is involved in everything we do.”

In the surprise assembly, Mrs Forcer was honoured in front of the school and presented with a bench for her garden, bought with donations from, staff, parents and the community.

Mrs Hey added: “We’ve never had a collection that has raised so much.

“That’s how well she is thought of .”

Mrs Forcer, who lives in Queensbury with her husband Richard said she was shocked by the presentation.

“It was really lovely and such a surprise,” she said.

And after a quarter of a century at the school - where she has seen generations of the same family across the road - she says it’s the children which have made her time there special.

She added: “They always make me laugh - you never know what’s going to come out of their mouths.

“I just love this job, I can’t think of anything better. It’s really rewarding.

“It’s lovely to be seen as one of the staff members.

“I’ll stay at Fox Hill for as long as possible.”