STOPPING traffic is all in a day's work for Bolton's school crossing patrols and the Mayoral limo is no exception.

Cllr John Walsh's Jaguar XJ8 was ordered to stop by lollipop lady Linda Wilson when he visited Chorley New Road County Primary.

But he was more than happy to oblige as he was championing the cause of the borough's unsung heroes.

Mrs Wilson, who has been patrolling outside the school since 1997, is just one of the area's 86 men and women who will be honoured by the Mayor tonight at a special ceremony in Bolton Town Hall to mark the 50th anniversary of school crossing patrols.

In Bolton, last year the patrols helped 2.5 million schoolchildren cross the roads in safety.

And at Chorley New Road Primary, head teacher Peter Charnock said he was delighted with Mrs Wilson and her colleague Sue Winnard.

"They cover our school and St Mary's nearby. Linda supervises the busy Victoria Road, and Sue covers Chorley New Road. We feel they are part of the family and the children love them to bits.

"They know Linda and Sue can be trusted to take them across the road safely, and they are appreciated. They both do a demanding job in all weathers but with good humour."

Mrs Wilson, of Horwich, started the job six years ago and loves it. "I got the job after a recommendation from a friend. I love meeting the children and their parents and the motorists here are mainly local so they are all right," said Mrs Wilson, a mum of two.

Cllr Guy Harkin, Bolton Council Executive Member for Environment, added his praise for the town's lollipop people.

"Thousands of children and their parents rely on school crossing patrols and they have undoubtedly saved thousands of lives helping people cross our busy roads.

"Whatever the weather, the lollipop men and women are there, always keen to help. We couldn't let their golden anniversary pass without thanking them for their loyal service."

So tonight the school crossing patrols will gather at the town hall where the Mayor will present them with an inscribed paperweight as a commemorative gift.

A special cake has been donated by a local company and will be cut by Bolton's longest serving patrols. Other local companies have donated prizes to be won by the patrols on the night.

The council's Road Safety Officer Trevor Higson has been delighted with their generosity and pleased that recognition has been given to the valuable work of the patrols in the local community.

School crossing fact file

The School Crossing Patrol Act in 1953 gave legal recognition to patrols, although it is believed the first patrol in the UK was in Bath in 1937.

The longest serving patrols, who have each completed 28 years, are Dorine Jones; Gladys Martin; Jean Gorringe and Anne Barnes.

Bolton Council took over the service in 1986 from Greater Manchester Council.

There are two supervisors at Bolton Council who organise the service.

From February 2001, new legislation meant patrols could help anyone cross the roads -- adults and children.

Bolton Council is always keen to hear from anyone interested in becoming a School Crossing Patrol.

There are vacancies for both permanent and standby patrols.

Anyone who can spare a few hours a week contact a Patrol Supervisor on 01204 336466 for an informal discussion.