A LOLLIPOP lady facing speeding motorists every day has been given an early Christmas present to make her job safer.

Jackie Devine, 39, of Littlemoor Road, Clitheroe, felt as though she was dicing with death each school day morning and afternoon as she directed up to 100 youngsters across Pendle Road.

Though the road was not as busy as the main roads into town, drivers did come down the sweeping bend very quickly.

Now, thanks to Clitheroe councillors Stephen Sutcliffe and Paul Adnitt, a brand new sign and flashing lights have been installed by Lancashire County Council to warn drivers that there is a school patrol in operation. "Since I took the job in September I have been asking for lights but nothing seemed to be happening," she said. Her predecessor, Susan Wrathall, had also been asking for them for years.

"I spoke to Coun Sutcliffe to see what could be done and also Coun Adnitt, because he is headteacher at St James's School, where a few of the children I see go."

However, Brookside School, in Bright Street, is where the majority of the youngsters are heading when they see Mrs Devine in the mornings.

Headteacher Graham Claydon confirmed the crossing was dangerous and that parents as well as teachers were relieved that safety measures had been installed.

"We are very, very pleased," he said. "Despite the fact the road has a 30 mph speed limit, some cars do come down the road and round the bend very quickly."

Coun Adnitt added: "I am delighted, as I am sure all the headteachers in Clitheroe are, that light have now been put up.

"Perhaps we can now look at further safety measures and improvements for the roads in Clitheroe.

Mrs Devine added: "It feels like an early Christmas present for me and the children."

Picture: Lollipop lady Jackie Devine celebrates a safer Christmas with her brand new crossing sign and lights.