LONG serving school crossing patrols in Bolton have been presented with special certificates to mark their many sterling years of service.

Five women have completed 25 years service and a further 23 have passed 10 years and their work has been marked with a special presentation at their annual meeting.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, executive member for Best Value and Special Projects said: "It's a new initiative we've introduced to mark their dedication to the service and the community that they serve.

"Some of them will be seeing children safely across the road whose parents also used to cross with them. It's a mark of our appreciation of the valuable work that they do."

Anyone interested in becoming a patrol should contact Bolton 336466.