Braunton patrol top of the pops

dave.tanner@archant.co.uk
27 July 2009

A NORTH Devon lollipop lady will become the first person to receive the emerald award for 35 years service at Devon County Council's school crossing patrol long service awards on Wednesday.

Mary Penfold, school crossing patrol at Braunton Caen Primary, will receive the emerald award from Devon County Council vice chairman Trevor Pennington at a ceremony in Exeter.

Two other North Devon lollipop ladies will receive awards for 30 years and 25 years service, among 26 patrols and two administrators who will be recognised. Between them they have 276 years experience.

Councillor Pennington said: "Devon's school crossing patrols deserve this recognition on our roll of honour. The number of years served by the patrols is testament to their loyalty and dedication and I would like to congratulate each and everyone one of them for their sterling efforts throughout the school year."

North Devon award winners: emerald award (35 years) Mary Penfold, Braunton Caen Primary; sapphire award (30 years) Jean Daniel, Appledore Community Primary; platinum award (25 years) Yasmin Perryman, Our Lady's Catholic Primary / Ashleigh C of E Primary, Barnstaple; silver award (10 years) Eric Freeman and Yvonne Freeman Ilfracombe C of E Junior; bronze award (5 years) John Martin Kingsacre Primary, Braunton; Retirement Award: Eric Freeman, Ilfracombe C of E Junior