The mayor of Dudley joined school crossing patrols (SCPs) from across the region recently to celebrate 70 years since the service was first introduced nationally.
SCPs have operated in Dudley since 1989 and since then hundreds of patrols have worked to help children and young people travel to and from school safely.
Currently, there are 35 SCPs working across the borough, managed by Dudley Council.
During the event, held at Priory Hall, each member of staff was presented with a certificate and commemorative badge.
Cllr Andrea Goddard, mayor of Dudley, said: “Our team of school crossing patrols are out in all weathers making sure the borough’s children and young people get to and from school safely.
“They serve at the heart of our communities for our communities. I’m glad I was able to share this moment of celebration with them and thank them all for their continued efforts.”
Dudley’s highways boss was also reunited with the school crossing patrol who helped him home from school more than 40 years ago.
Cllr Damian Corfield met Delia, the lady who helped him cross the road when he was a schoolboy at Belle Vue Primary School, in a touching reunion.
Cllr Corfield, cabinet member for highways and environmental services, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to thank Delia in person and quite remarkable to think that more than 40 years on she continues to serve.
“Delia is one of several patrols who have decades of service under their belt. They are a credit to this borough, and I thank them all.”
The SCP service was officially created by the School Crossing Patrol Act in 1953.
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