A HEARSE carrying long-serving Bewdley lollipop lady Bett Carter stopped at the crossing that she worked at for several decades as school staff lined the street to pay their respects.

Staff at St Anne's CE Primary School paused to bid a final farewell as Bett's coffin passed by on the way to her funeral on Wednesday, March 10.

Bett finally left the job in July 2014 after helping local children to cross the road safely for several decades - even the records at St Anne's don't go back far enough to say exactly how long she worked there.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Bett worked as a lollipop lady for several decades and was known by school staff as a 'warrior on the crossing patrol'Bett worked as a lollipop lady for several decades and was known by school staff as a 'warrior on the crossing patrol'

Bett worked on the crossing come rain, shine or icy weather, never having a day off.

Staff at St Anne's School described her as a "warrior on the crossing patrol", whom past parents feared if they dared step out of line.

She knew every child's name and, while striking terror into any parent who attempted a diagonal or late crossing, the children respected and adored her and she greeted each one every morning and bid them farewell every afternoon.

Bett would notice the child who was in need of a smile and a chat and spotted those that had been away poorly and welcomed them back.

Never afraid to speak her mind, Bett would march to the school office and express her views on any policy changes within her remit and countless headteachers would tremble at her knock.

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With a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous side, she arrived early every morning, working way beyond her contracted hours - probably to catch up on local news - and stayed for a cup of tea in the staff room afterwards to pack away her trade tools and chat to the staff, putting the world to right.

Linda Withey, a member of the management team at St Anne's Primary, said: "Bett was a treasured school character that will live long in the memories of staff, past pupils and their parents."

Bett passed away from poor health on Saturday, February 6, aged 78.