Lollipop man Sean McDermott had the competition well and truly licked when he was named the top Crossing Patrol of the Year in the St Albans District.

The 77-year-old, of Birch Copse, Bricket Wood, was nominated for the award by staff and parents at Mount Pleasant Lane School, where it is said he knows the first name of every child at the school.

A modest but delighted Mr McDermott said: "I enjoy helping the parents and children cross safely.

" I was very surprised to receive the award. I have to say thank you to the parents, children and staff at Mount Pleasant and for the on-going support from the county council’s School Crossing Patrol Team".

One mum, Rachel Sheere, whose children Charlie, 9, and Max, 6, attend the school and regularly chat to Sean, is in no doubt that the award is well deserved.

She said:"I'm delighted for him. He is such a great lollipop man. I'm not at all surprised he won, he knows every child's name in the school. Everyone loves him."

Another mum said: "He is a very likeable, friendly, approachable man who always has a smile on his face. He is very special and means the world to all of us.

"He takes his role at the school very seriously, the safety of the children and parents is very important to him."

Mr McDermott has been a lollipop man for six years, knows all about road safety after working as a bus driver for London Transport for more than 40 years.

He has been married to Alice for 50 "glorious" years and he has two children, Patricia Connolly and Jen Dale; grandchildren Sarah-Jane Bradish, George Dale, Nicole Connolly and Katie Dale; and one great grandchild, Bradley Cocklin who is five.

The cut glass trophy he was awarded for winning the competition was presented at Hertford on March 25, his wife’s birthday, which made it even more special.

He was also guest of honour at a special assembly at the school on Friday morning.