CROSSING patrol personnel were deemed top of the lollipops at an annual ceremony this month.

The unsung heroes and heroines, who guide the Vale’s youngsters safely across roads twice a day, every day, were given deserved recognition at the Vale Road Safety Awards held earlier this month.

The awards presentation, organised by the Vale Council’s road safety team, recognises and rewards the contribution of those working on school crossing patrols throughout the county.

Top award for School Crossing Patrol of the Year went to Katie Coates who patrols outside Albert Primary School in Penarth and has worked in the Vale for more than 18 years.

Other award-winners included Colin Dowd who won the award for the Penarth, Sully and Dinas Powys area, Julie Ellis for Llantwit Major and the Western Rural Vale, and Vanessa Carlson and Scott Jackson for Barry.

Vale Council director of development services, Rob Thomas said: “Visiting schools and nurseries in the Vale to talk about their duties and ensuring all those who cross with them is safe, come rain or shine, the School Crossing Patrols deliver a vital road safety service directly to the community and are held in high esteem by children, parents and the schools they serve.”

Co-ordinators and volunteers of the Kerbcraft child pedestrian training scheme were also thanked for their 13th successful year of working with the Council.

More than 5000 children in the Vale alone have been trained and approximately 300 adult volunteers have been recruited.

All winners and guests were then treated to a buffet and fun road safety quiz.

Vale council road safety officer, John Rogers, thanked everyone for attending the presentation.

He said: “Everyone here has played their part in contributing to road safety over the past year in the Vale. We look forward to working with you again in 2015.”