COUNCIL bosses are appealing for the public's help in getting a road-related problem licked once and for all – a shortage of lollipop ladies in Darlington.

Town hall chiefs say they have vacancies for at least three school crossing patrol staff at various locations around the town.

Denise Caley, assistant road safety officer for Darlington Borough Council, said the jobs would suit a variety of applicants, male or female.

She said: "We get all different types of people wanting to be lollipop ladies and men – from recently retired people who don't want to just do nothing, to people whose children are a bit more grown up.

"The job is a reward in itself, seeing the children's faces as you help them across the road.

"We have got a number of drivers who sadly do not want to stop for crossing patrols and just drive past them, so our lollipop ladies and men are putting their lives on the line to protect our school children."

Applicants will be asked to commit to about seven-and-a-half hours a week and will have to pass a background check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

That means successful applicants are unlikely to be able to start work until the end of February.

Current vacancies are in the Longfield Road, Hollyhurst Road and Coniscliffe Road areas.

Mrs Caley said the specific nature of the locations means the jobs might be best suited to applicants living within walking distance of the crossings.

But she added: "We have one lady who comes in to town on a bus from Sadberge to patrol a crossing – that's dedication and shows that location need not necessarily be a bar to the right person."

News of Darlington's shortage of crossing patrol staff follows efforts by former Peterlee mayor Mary Cartwright to see a national day of recognition for Britain's lollipop men and women.

Anyone interested in applying can call Denise Caley on 01325-406695.