AFTER years of service helping students at St Marks C of E Primary School safely cross the road, 87-year-old Les Tarling has said a fond farewell to a place where he made so many friends.

On Friday, February 17, Mr Tarling put on his hi-vis jacket and took his stop sign to the roads for one last time.

Having previously worked as a traffic warden and car park manager, the Cliddesden resident said he has always worked with traffic and saw the advert for a school crossing patrol officer, and thought he would give it a shot.

“I really enjoyed my six years being a lollipop man and you really get to know some of the pupils,” said the 87-year-old.

“I built up a pretty good relationship with most of the motorists as well, as they would always wave good morning to me as they drove past.

“Even got to the point that I wouldn’t even need to step out into the road, cars would just stop for me to allow the children to cross.”

One his last day Mr Tarling was presented with gifts and cards from staff and parents from the Danebury Road school.

He added: “I was given such a great send-off I never expected it.

“I gotlots of cards and gift cards for garden centres and boots, it was a little bit overwhelming.”

When asked by The Gazette what he planned on doing with his retirement, Mr Tarling said: “I will be spending a lot more time at home. “I have a pretty big garden so that will take up a lot of my time and will keep me busy.”

Hampshire County Council, who employed Mr Tarling, currently have 22 school crossing patrol officer vacancies across Hampshire.

To find out more e-mail school. crossing@hants.gov.uk