Colin Smith is retiring from his role at Foundry Lane Primary School in Southampton

Now popular lollipop man Colin Smith is retiring from his role at Foundry Lane Primary School in Southampton.

Colin, 79, who was a pupil at the school in the 1940s, decided to take up the job after he retired from working for the Southern Gas Board.

His first shift was in 1989, and since then he has been a well-known figure at the school in Foundry Lane.

To say goodbye to Colin, the school held a special assembly, and Mayor of Southampton Councillor Sue Blatchford marked the occasion by giving him a rose.

Colin said: “The children made me enjoy it. You get a really good rapport with them. Once you build up that rapport with the kids and the parents life becomes easier.”

Colin, who lives in Marianne Close in Millbrook with his wife of 40 years Zena, said he hopes to relax for the next few weeks and possibly take a holiday.

Head teacher Andy Withers praised Colin for his dedication to keeping children safe.

Mr Withers said: “I am very sad because parents and carers rely on him to keep the children safe.

“He has been absolutely fantastic and he is an example to everyone in terms of commitment and reliability.”

The school has not yet found a replacement for Mr Smith, but says it is in the process of recruiting one.