York will be celebrating a national milestone this month, by marking 60-years of the School Crossing Patrol service.

Twenty-two crossing patrol officers will be presented with a commemorative Diamond Jubilee badge and certificate at the event on June 24 at the council’s West Offices.

The school crossing patrol service first started in London in the 1940’s when 90 per cent of children walked to school. The idea quickly caught on and the Government recognised the value of having such a service and officially created the Crossing Patrol Act of 1953.

Trish Hirst, road safety manager at City of York Council, said: “We really do have a lot to thank these unsung hero’s of our streets. Some of our crossing patrollers have done many years service in this city, with five staff giving 30-years service to the city, some coming up to 40-years of service and one member of staff who has helped generations of children across the road for an amazing 42-years.”

Thomas the Bakers are also supporting the event by supplying a celebration cake for all those who are attending.