A retired lollipop lady who helped generations of children cross the road in Nidderdale has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to child road safety.
Mary Fisher is one of 83 recipients in Yorkshire and the Humber named in the King’s New Year’s Honours List, which will be published in full later.
Mary, 88, was persuaded by a local policeman to start work as a lollipop lady outside Summerbridge Community Primary School in 1975.
She stayed in post for 47 years, carrying out 18,000 morning and afternoon patrols, before finally retiring last December.
The school paid tribute on Mary’s final day.
During that time, she got to know all the children’s names and saw many of them return years later with children of their own.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said:
“Everyone from Yorkshire receiving honour today represents the best in British communities.
“I send my warmest congratulations to this year’s recipients, all of whom are incredibly deserving for what they have achieved.
“If you know someone in your community who has done something extraordinary, nominate them for an honour so together we can recognise what they have achieved.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“The New Year’s Honours list recognises the exceptional achievements of people across the country and those who have shown the highest commitment to selflessness and compassion.
“To all honourees, you are the pride of this country and an inspiration to us all.”
Read more:
- Emotional farewell to remarkable Nidderdale lollipop woman Mary Fisher
- Mary, 87, retires after 47 years and 18,000 shifts as a lollipop woman in Summerbridge
- Is Mary the Harrogate district’s longest-serving lollipop woman?