Ongoing efforts to find lollipop ladies and men in Lincolnshire have seen 16 vacancies filled in the past 12 months.

However, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, which manages school crossing patrols, says there are still 22 vacancies.

Greville Burgess, school crossing patrol manager, said he would be keen to hear from new people wanting to apply.

"School crossing patrols provide a vital service to school communities and while I appreciate they have to put up with changeable weather conditions and occasional discourteous drivers, the benefits far outweigh those disadvantages," he said.

"If you're in good health with sound hearing and eyesight, have a couple of hours to spare each school day and have an interest in the safety of children we would love to hear from you.

"By the way, you also earn £7. 82 an hour."

Colin Joyce (50) is one of the newest crossing patrollers in the county.

Twice a day he helps children cross busy Ryland Road in Welton.

"My wife saw an advert in the Echo and it went from there," said Mr Joyce, who lives in Langworth and also works as a gardener.

"I've been doing this since February and I'd recommend the job to anyone else.

"I'm out in the fresh air, I get to meet lots of people every day and I feel I'm providing a useful service helping children across the road."

For more information on the lollipop jobs, including how to apply, see Saturday's Echo.