Top lollipop comes from Harlow

A lollipop man from Essex has been voted the UK and Ireland’s best crossing patrol person in the 2002 Lollipop Person of the Year award.

Over 50 parents, pupils and staff nominated Fred Milstead for his work outside St Albans RC Junior School in Harlow. In addition to making crossing the road a safe and happy experience, Fred was also nominated for his excellent local knowledge, sensitivity to pedestrians and drivers, and his tendency to go beyond the call of duty.

Fred initially won the south east regional competition before progressing to triumph over the two other regional winners to take the Lollipop Person of the Year title. Fred received the trophy and a cheque for £1,000 from sponsor Domino’s Pizza at a presentation at St Albans School on 16 July.

"Mr Milstead is a credit to the service and provides a good boost to our recent school crossing patrol recruitment campaign," said Ron Williams, cabinet member for Highways and Transportation at Essex County Council.

In the photos, Fred is pictured (opposite) with staff and pupils from St Albans Junior School and receiving his award (above) from Richie Yasin, manager of Domino’s Pizza in Harlow.

The SCP service celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2003 and plans are already being developed to suitably mark this important milestone.