Beloved lollipop man praised by community

A lollipop man is set to be honoured by his community after a family's emotional encounter sparked an outpouring of stories of his kindness.

The family, from Walsall, said they were leaving a relative's funeral when the children among them showed an interest in his work as he packed away his kit.

They said as he took time to speak to them, they were struck by his "incredible" friendliness. "It brought such light to a dark day," said Hannah Stretton who later used Facebook to ask whether anyone knew who the man was so they could thank him.

He was soon identified as Ian Preston, a lollipop man in the Bloxwich area. And feedback was so positive, a plan was launched.

As hundreds responded to the Facebook post, the community decided to recognise his contribution to their lives, with the school whose children he escorts across the road getting involved.

"We hatched this plan to be able to give him one of our outstanding award badges," Paul Ingles, the head at Cooper and Jordan C of E Primary School said.

Stretton described him as "so lovely" and said his kindness left a lasting impression during what had been a difficult moment, adding the family left "with a smile on our face because of this kind man".

She described the response to her message online as overwhelming, with hundreds of people sharing messages about how the same man had made a difference to them and their children over the years.

One parent described him as "absolutely amazing", adding: "He makes everybody's morning [being] just so much more upbeat."

Others said they saw him as a familiar and friendly face who went out of his way to greet pupils and parents each day.

Preston said his role did not feel like a job but a joy after being made redundant at his previous employer of 20 years.

"I'd just like to say a really heartfelt thank you," he said.

"I have a great time every single day with the kids, and I get out of bed on a morning, and it's not a job, I come to see all my friends."

Ingles said the school wanted to show appreciation for the impact small acts of kindness could have, especially from people who were part of everyday life.

"He is just an absolute joy to have as part of our community," he said.

"He's such a generous man in terms of his energy, and ultimately, will do anything to help those kids put a smile on their face."

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