A school has paid tribute to a lollipop man who helped children safely cross the road for over a decade.

A school has paid tribute to a lollipop man who helped children safely cross the road for over a decade.

Stephen William Simmons, passed away on Wednesday, March 23, aged 86.

He was born June 21, 1929 and grew up in Gorleston. He spent his younger days in the Royal Navy and then worked for more than 20 years working for the port authority as a shipmate on the tugs out of Yarmouth.

Retiring from the port at the age of 65, he then began his career as a lollipop man on Brasenose Avenue for the children of Herman School, up until a year ago.

He was the oldest lollipop man in Norfolk before he retired and was a crossing guard for 13 years.

Interviewed in 2012, he said that “just being happy” kept him going in his job for so long.

Kate Rutherford, principal at Ormiston Herman Academy, said: “It was with great sadness that the academy community heard of the death of Mr Simmons.

“Mr Simmons has served the Herman Primary schools for many years, being one of the eldest and longest serving lollipop men in the county.

“He was well a very known figure in our community, assisting children to cross the very busy Brasenose Avenue, safely in all weathers for many years.

“Vast numbers of children, parents and grandparents all have fond memories of the kind and cheerful manner in which he carried out his duties.

“Parents commented that he always had a kind word for the children which set them up for a good day.

“Mr Simmons will be missed by many people within our community. Our heartfelt condolences are sent to his family.”

Jamie Simmons, Stephen’s grandson, said his grandfather passed away peacefully.

Jamie added: “He was a huge part of the Simmons Family. He was a kind hearted, well-liked man and a true gentleman. It is so sad that he was taken from us. He will be truly missed.”

Stephen married Daphne in 1941. They had two children Peter and Susan, who both attended Herman Primary, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.