FORDINGBRIDGE pupils have welcomed a new lollipop lady, Debbie Pugh.

A petition was launched by junior school pupils Myah Williams and Ophelia Earth-Nicklen for a safer crossing in Whitsbury Road.

READ: Schoolgirls call for safe crossing in Whitsbury Road, Fordingbridge>>>

Fordingbridge Junior and Infant schools executive head teacher Kim Robertson said: “Safety and the wellbeing of our children in the Fordingbridge Infant and Junior Schools Federation is our priority.

"Not only do the adults look after the children but children are encouraged to look after each other.

"This care and support for each other was clearly shown by Myah and Ophelia who through determination and resilience managed to secure the appointment of a lollipop person.”

READ: Finalised plans released for revamp of Fordingbridge Car Park>>>

Councillor Rob Humby, the executive member for environment and transport at Hampshire County Council said: "Children’s safety is a County Council priority so I am pleased to hear that a school crossing patrol officer has been recruited to support children from Fordingbridge Junior and Infant schools when they are crossing the road to get to school.

"In this case it seemed that the local awareness generated by the petition led to a candidate coming forward who we were able to appoint.

"As these jobs are term-time only positions, with short shifts twice a day, and therefore usually only of interest to candidates from the local community, we do sometimes find it takes longer to find suitable candidates for some vacancies.”