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'IT'S BEEN MY LIFE'

Lollipop lady thought to be the longest-serving in Britain retires after crossing the road a MILLION times during her career

Margaret Cattle was just 25 when she started working

A LOLLIPOP lady thought to be the longest-serving in Britain is to retire — after crossing the road a million times during a 45-year career.

Margaret Cattle was just 25 when she took over her busy crossing duties for four schools.

Now, after walking an estimated 3,000 miles on the job, the 69-year-old grandmother of six wants more time to herself.

 Margaret is thought to be Britain's longest serving lollipop lady
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Margaret is thought to be Britain's longest serving lollipop ladyCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
 Margaret has walked 3,000 miles at work and has crossed the road a million times
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Margaret has walked 3,000 miles at work and has crossed the road a million timesCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Margaret, of Cottingham, near Hull, said: “It’s been my life and I’ve loved it.

"But I have to be at the crossing for 3pm every day and it’s becoming a bit trying.

"It’s just time to take a step back.

 Margaret Cattle was just 25 when she started
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Margaret Cattle was just 25 when she startedCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

“I’ve seen grandparents, parents and then their children across the road.

“It’s been an absolutely wonderful job and I will really miss all the people I get to meet every day.”

 She has walked an estimated 3,000 miles
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She has walked an estimated 3,000 milesCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
 Margaret says she's met three generations of families
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Margaret says she's met three generations of familiesCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Margaret, who walks children from three primary schools and a high school, has never seen a crash but admits she has seen a couple of near misses.

She said: "I've never seen a child get hit - not in all my long years."