Gifts galore from pupils and parents for the ‘best lollipop lady’

And kindhearted Alison Durling, 50, had so many they had to be stacked by the side of the road. 

One parent described her as “Britain’s best lollipop lady”.

Alison said: “I was not expecting all these presents – it’s the most I’ve ever had. Three parents helped me carry them to the car.” 

She added: “It is the messages in the cards that mean the most. I just do it because I enjoy doing it.” 

Along with her lollipop lady duties, Alison also helps pupils settle in at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Beckenham, south London, where she works as a dinner lady. 

And the mum-of-two, from Penge, also helps the elderly on and off buses with their shopping. Alison said: “I just feel so overwhelmed. Everybody is so lovely and St Mary’s is a terrific school. I love being a part of it all.

Gemma Burton-Nickson and her two daughters are greeted by Alison every morning. 

Gemma, 40, said: “I saw her this morning with all her presents. She has been getting them all week. She must have more than a hundred gifts – I think everybody at the school has got her one. 

“She is Britain’s best lollipop lady, absolutely. All the children flock to her. She is there every morning with a smile on her face to brighten your day.” 

St Mary’s headteacher Isobel Vassallo said: “We are blessed to have her, she is such a huge asset to our school. She is such a friendly, smiling face for families in the morning.”