A DEDICATED and hardworking lollipop lady has been nominated for an award by youngsters at a St Albans nursery.

Helen Hopkins has been keeping the children of Woodlands Nursery and Skyswood Primary School safe on the roads for 16 years and the children have decided to show their appreciation by nominating her for Hertfordshire School Crossing Patrol officer of the Year.

Helen is a key figure at the school and ensures that children understand the importance of road safety. She regularly talks to the nursery children and engages them in role play, where they can wear their very own luminous jackets and play with small lollipop sticks.

Teacher Elaine Dawson is particularly appreciative of the support that Helen gives to the children.

“If anybody deserves this award it’s Helen,” she said. “She makes four bus journeys every day just to carry out her duties and she’ll always go the extra mile. Helen greets the children with a friendly smile whatever the weather and is such an asset to our local community.”