A lollipop lady who was only due to work for six weeks has just celebrated 25 years in the job.

Wendy Coleman has been overseeing the safe passage of pupils to Sunny Bank Primary School - and Murston Juniors as it was previously known - near Sittingbourne, for the last 25 years.

To mark the occasion, she was presented with a potted plant and a special medal celebrating her long service.

Mrs Coleman, 59, said: “I was only going to stay for six weeks and 25 years on I’m still here.

“I started working at the school because my son had started junior school so it made sense that I could be at home in the day and with him in the holidays.”

She also paid tribute to the community and her colleagues for their help over the years.

“Seeing the children crossing the road safely is what makes my job worthwhile, as well as seeing their faces everyday,” she added.

Head of school, Darren Waters, said it was an impressive landmark and thanked Mrs Coleman for her dedication.

He said: “During a time when the school is far from normal, it is wonderful to celebrate a remarkable achievement and provide a sense that some things have not changed.

“Wendy has dedicated a great deal of time to ensuring that the families and community of Sunny Bank can cross the road safely on the way to and from school.

“Indeed she is now crossing children of parents that used to cross as children.

“Twenty-five years is an impressive landmark and as a school we would like to thank Wendy for watching over us and look forward to more safe crossings.”

Mrs Coleman was temporarily stood down between March 20 and the end of June due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But now she is back at work with lollipop in hand monitoring Tonge Road, Murston.

A presentation took place on Friday, July 3.

Mrs Coleman, who has only had three weeks off in her time at the school, added: “I’ve met a lot of people and made a lot of friends during my time here.”

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