PARENTS and children in and around Gainsborough Road have been paying tribute to their lollipop lady, who has retired after 28 years service.

June Slack has been working since 1972 ensuring the pupils from Gainsborough Road Infants and Junior schools get into class safely.

However, 62-year-old June retired just before the Christmas break and will be sorely missed.

June, who lives on Ruskin Road, was treated to a bumper day when the schools clubbed together to give her a send off.

June has been forced into retirement through ill health, as she has arthritis: "I was so sad to finish, I was hoping to clock up 30 years service," June explained.

"I am going to miss seeing the children but the infants school has asked me back to help out with the bakery classes," she added.

An infant nativity play was also staged to make the day very special and June's husband, Peter, paid tribute to his wife's work for the children of the area.

"June is very dedicated, she went out in all weather and even on her last day it was pouring with rain," Peter explained.

"A lot of the local people have said that they are going to miss her and she received lots of gifts from the parents as well as the children," he added.

June is now planning to spend more time with her husband and will be seen out and about with Peter walking the dog and also fishing.

"I would like to say thank you to all the children, staff and families for all the wonderful presents, there were so many and I got 15 boxes of chocolate," June added.

June is pictured at home wearing her lollipop gear for the final time!