A LOLLYPOP man retired on Friday after 11 years of serving a primary school.

Bernard Cocklin, 70, has been patrolling children at a crossing near St Richard's Roman Catholic Primary School in Atherton after previously working as a firefighter for 28 years.

Bernard once used his fire service skills to tackle a small blaze on the school grounds before it caused widespread damage.

He said: "It is a poignant place to retire from because I have loved keeping the children safe.

"They are all very polite and easy to work with and have fun.

"I have never met a nicer group of children, families and staff."

Headteacher Mrs Nulty added: "His cheery, polite and welcoming manner is something we will all miss.

"During his time at St Richard’s he has always given over and above what his job description requires."