Mary McDonald has been a lollipop woman for 30 years

Mary McDonald has been serving her community for 30 years and said she loves the job.

Glasgow City Council said it is 62 lollipop staff short and has launched a drive to fill the vacancies.

Councils in other parts of the UK have similar concerns, with fewer people offering to do the job.

Glasgow Lord Provost Liz Cameron said the council must publicise the perks of the job to prospective workers.

'Important job'

Cllr Cameron said: "People may think of winter mornings and standing out in the cold.

"But we need to say that this is a really important job.

"Working with children is really important and we really, really need you."

Mrs McDonald said: "I really like my job, I really do.

"I'm dreading retiring and they all ask 'when are you going to retire Mary' and I say as long as I have my health and strength to do it, I'll do it."

The lollipop shortage is not restricted to Glasgow.

Edinburgh needs another 72 volunteers and North Lanarkshire has 17 vacancies.

In England, Bristol and Nottinghamshire are also experiencing problems.