FEW people can boast such long-standing service as Hampshire pensioner Margaret Cole, who was been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
The 65-year-old has spent the past 29 years working as a lollipop lady at Stanmore Primary School in Winchester.
She has guided thousands of pupils back and forward on her crossing patrol without serious incident.
Margaret, whose award recognises a range of community services, said: "I haven't a clue who nominated me but Stanmore has always been my place of honour."
Asked for the essential qualities of a crossing patrol she said: "Just keep your cool and give the traffic a fair crack of the whip."
Streetlife clearly runs in the family - Margaret's daughter Mandy Whittington, 40, works for Winchester traffic police.
See pages four and five for our special feature on Stanmore Primary School in tonight's Education Today supplement.
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