Lollipop man, 84, retires after 20 years

A lollipop man has retired after two decades of guiding children across a road in Dorset.

Tony Miles, 84, has been working outside Courthill Infant School in Parkstone, Poole, since 2006 but hung up his lollipop at the end of term.

Miles, who attended the school as a child, has been praised for his warm smile, cheerful personality and dedication.

Parents said he would give the children high-fives and was always chatty, adding that he would be greatly missed.

Miles said he was born "five minutes away" from the school, which he attended from the age of five.

After a career working for the gas board and on the buses, he said he decided to give something back to the community.

Speaking on Radio Solent's Dorset Breakfast show, he said: "When I finished the buses, I went on to do the lollipop, which I thoroughly enjoyed because I love dealing with children."

Miles said working during the recent heatwave had "been a struggle" and he was looking forward to spending more time doing "odd jobs".

Ahead of his final day on Wednesday, he was invited to a presentation.

He said: "I went to the school to meet the mayor and the sheriff, and the children sung to us and brought all their cards up."

When radio presenter Steve Harris played Miles a recorded message from the school's head teacher, Alison Carter, and some of the school staff, Miles said: "You're making me cry now."

The message said: "Thank you for keeping all of our children safe. Thank you for turning up, come rain or shine. We'll miss you Tony."