Award for hero of the highway

81 year old Matthew Fawcett, Scholes First and Nursery School lollipop man, received a Local Heroes award from the Pulse radio station

Matthew Fawcett, 81, was nominated by Scholes First and Nursery School for a Pulse Radio Local Hero Awards for being their cheerful lollipop man and a much-loved part of their school.

Mr Fawcett, of Westfield Lane, was invited along to a glitzy ceremony in Halifax where he announced the Community Contribution winner 2015.

The awards celebrate unsung heroes across West Yorkshire and on the night raised £650 for Kirkwood Hospice and on the night there was entertainment from X-Factor stars including Only the Young and Lucy Spraggan.

Mr Fawcett, who started being a lollipop man in Gomersal 15 years ago, said: “It was a complete surprise.

“It’s something I really enjoy doing and it’s lovely to see children who I helped cross becoming teenagers - some who now tower above me.

“It’s lovely to watch them grow up.”

Mr Fawcett has helped children to safety at a few schools, before settling at Scholes.

He said: “I was at Spen Valley High three times a day - morning, lunchtime and evening. Then I heard about an opening at Scholes, which is just around the corner from home, so I asked to be transferred. I’ve been there about 12 years now.”

And even a poorly knee won’t stop him.

“I’m hoping to have a knee operation in September, but I will be back,” he said. “ There were rumours I was going to call it a day, but I will keep going.”

Grandaughter Jo Ford, said: “He’s a fabulous father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loves his job and even though he has a bad knee he is still looking forward to carrying on with his duties.

“All the family are so proud of him.”