MUCH-LOVED lollipop lady Mary Morales is being retired on her 70th birthday - because Bolton Council says she's too old.

But parents and pupils of Horwich Parish Primary School are battling to keep their lollipop gran.

They say she might be getting on a bit - but she's as fit as a fiddle.

They have written to the local authorities and even considered starting a petition.

But Bolton Council officials are sticking to their rules which say nobody over 70 can be a lollipop lady - despite a shortage throughout the town.

One parent said: "I am dismayed at the news of her enforced retirement.

"The school has not been very supportive of her plight.

"Her employer, Bolton Council, is not sympathetic despite the offer of attending a physical examination."

She said her daughter had come home with a note telling of Mrs Morales' retirement but it was written as if she wanted to retire.

Mrs Morales, of Grosvenor Way, Horwich, has worked at the school for 25 years and a further three years previously at another school.

She would be very sad to leave the school but added she believed a petition was futile because the council had made up its mind.

She said: "I have been told I have to finish, I'm not finishing on my own.

"I didn't want to retire but I have no choice.

"I would stay on if they said I could.

"I will miss the children, the parents and the staff."

The grandma-of-two said she would even miss the motorists on Church Street because they had always been courteous to her.

Head teacher of Horwich Parish, Richard Fairclough, said: "Mrs Morales came to me and said she didn't want a petition.

"She has told me she knows she is 70 and knows she has to go.

"She said she didn't want any fuss."

He said it was mischief-making to say the school did not support her.

Mr Fairclough said the school was having a party for her with former and current teachers.

He added: "It's a shame if somebody's trying to spoil what would be an important day for her."

A Bolton council spokesman said: "The normal national retirement age for any work is 65.

"Mrs Morales has been a lollipop lady for many years and she was recruited under a previous contract with the police which allowed her to stay until 70.

"When a school crossing patrol person nears 65, we advertise the post.

"If we don't find a replacement they can remain until they are 70, provided they pass the necessary medical exam every year.

"We have explained the situation to Mrs Morales and she seems quite happy with it.

"We have a replacement for the post."

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