MRS Mary Morales has been an excellent lollipop lady outside Horwich Parish Primary School for the past 25 years. Local motorists respect her - and children love her.

But, she has to retire from the job she enjoys, because her birth certificate says she is 70. And, according to Bolton Council, that is too old to guide children safely across the roads.

The town has a shortage of suitable candidates for this role, but, apparently, someone like Mrs Morales is easily dispensable.

Age is an individual matter; fitness and alertness are far more important. Mrs Morales appears to have plenty of both. So, come on, Bolton Council, change that silly rule. Lollipop ladies rule OK.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.