A DEVOTED lollipop lady has retired from her South Lakeland school duties after more than 17 years.

Kirkby-in-Furness’s Burlington CE School said goodbye to Gail Burns as classes broke up on Friday but she will not be replaced.

“I was just going to do it for a couple of years but I just kind of stayed,” said the 64-year-old.

Ms Burns, originally from the US, has been in the UK since 1979 and has lived in the village for 18 years.

She plans to dedicate more time to her role as deaconess at the Wall End Church of Christ, as well as having a bit more time to herself.

Ms Burns will remain a familiar face at the school as she continues to run the breakfast club.

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Burlington CE School head teacher Sarah Powell said: “Gail is an amazing addition to the school and she will be sadly missed but luckily she will still be in school.”

Meanwhile, fears are growing as there is no plan for Ms Burns to be replaced.

“It’s bound to be a concern for me because it’s the health and safety of the children,” said Ms Powell.