They keep our children safe as they cross the road on the way to and from school each day – yet lollipop ladies and men are often among society’s unsung heroes.

Which is why the organisers of the Green School Awards 2018 are particularly looking for nominations for these remarkable road safety champions.

With just days to go before the deadline of this Sunday, December 10, there isn’t much time to hang about – but entries don’t need to be long or elaborate, they just need to tell us why your lollipop lady or lad is great.

Earlier this year Kathleen Clark, who has worked at St James the Great Academy in East Malling for 30 years, and Pat Bennet, who has served Dame Janet Primary Academy in Ramsgate for 12 years, were both winners – as was Caroline White, a volunteer with Canterbury Primary School’s walking bus.

The KM Charity Team organises the awards to celebrate schools’ success in teaching children about the importance of caring for the environment – which of course includes road safety and eco-friendly travel.

Winners will be chosen from each Kent borough, plus Bexley and Bromley, in four categories: green travel to school and road safety, energy conservation, nature conservation and recycling.

Winning schools will be featured in a brochure sent to every school in the county describing their good work, so they can inspire others. They will also receive a trophy and a certificate and be able to use the Green Schools logo as a mark of excellence.

KM Charity Team chief executive Simon Dolby said: “Lollipop ladies and men do such important work. However slow and careful drivers are, when there are lots of excited children milling about, especially when they’re young and still learning about road safety, accidents can happen. Having someone who can help children learn to cross safely until they’re old enough to do it themselves can save them from getting hurt.

“Plus, seeing a friendly, familiar face on the way to school every morning makes their day better and helps them to start school with a smile.”

Anyone linked with the school can submit a nomination: staff, governors, parents and volunteers.

The Green School Awards are supported by Golding Homes. For more information or to make a nomination, visit www.greenschoolawards.co.uk before the deadline of this Sunday, December 10.