A Leavesden lollipop lady came second place in the "Above and Beyond" category at an award ceremony last week.

Barbara Hankin, who works at Leavesden Green Primary School and at 80-years-old is one of Leavesden’s oldest school crossing patrol wardens, lost out to a Hemel Hempstead-based charity at last Friday’s My Local Hero Awards ceremony.

Those attending the ceremony were shown a video clip of the school’s head teacher, Anne Cook, explaining how far she went beyond her role in the nine years she has been their lollipop lady and was "very much part of the school".

She said: "Barbara is doing it because she wants to and she is that kind of person. I still think she is a winner."

The school demonstrated their appreciation for the Mrs Hankin at her 80th birthday when they decorated the crossing railings with balloons and presented her with a gift and card from the children.

In addition to her work for the school Barbara also finds the energy to be part of a prison visiting team at The Mount, in Bovingdon, and a singing group which visits local care homes as well as sick and housebound church members.

According to Barbara’s daughter, Geraldine, who also attended the awards ceremony, her mother "was pleased with the certificate and really enjoyed the evening".