SHE'S been a turkey, a Christmas pudding, a star and a snowman.

Over the years, lollipop lady Margaret Russell has entertained thousands with her colourful costumes in the run-up to Christmas.

The festive grandmother has also raised thousands of pounds for local charities by donning one of her hand-made outfits while on patrol at Tanners Brook School, Millbrook, Southampton.

What started out as a bet from a local policeman 18 years ago has now turned into an annual treat for pupils at the school - and the drivers who pass Margaret, 52, while she is on patrol between Green Park Road and Wimpson Lane.

Margaret's colourful career as a festive lollipop lady began when she donned the school's Father Christmas costume for her morning and afternoon shifts.

But her stunt went down so well that Mrs Russell of Chiltern Green in Millbrook, has been doing it ever since.

This year, Margaret, pictured left and below left, is dressing as a clockwork soldier - an outfit suggested by the youngest of her three granddaughters - seven-year-old Jessica.

She turned to her grandchildren for ideas after becoming stuck for inspiration. She said: "I am wearing my own trousers with braiding at the sides and my coat which was cut out of red felt to make it look like a real soldier's outfit."

Last year, Margaret raised around £100 for the Mayor of Southampton's charities including Leukaemia Busters. This year, cash from her festive fund-raising drive will go towards the Piam Brown children's cancer care ward at Southampton General Hospital.

She will be on patrol every day until the schools break up for the Christmas holidays.