School crossing patrol officer Jenny Till celebrates 30 years of service at Spurcroft Primary School in Thatcham

A school crossing patrol officer is celebrating 30 years of service in Thatcham.

Jenny Till, a resident of Thatcham for 43 years, celebrated three decades of ensuring our schoolchildren get to school safely on March 7.

Her smiles and waves are known to generations in Thatcham.

Newburytoday caught her in action at her usual spot at the crossing past Beancroft Road.

Reflecting on what it was like when she first started, Mrs Till said: “The first day I was terribly nervous.

“I thought, ‘no, I can't do that’, especially with my back to the traffic.

“But then you get used to it. You just have to be assertive.”

The district council cut funding to eight school crossing patrols as part of its wider plan to save £17.5m in 2016-2017.

But, fortunately, Mrs Till was then taken on directly by Spurcroft Primary School and has been supporting its pupils and other children in Thatcham ever since.

She said that most drivers are understanding and respectful.

And she added her interactions with the children and their parents – many who she remembers as children – is the most enjoyable part of her role.

She continued: “It’s the fun that you have, because they often kind of joke and laugh and even on the wettest and most miserable day, they're with you.

“That's the feeling you get and they really appreciate what you're doing and they treat you with kindness and respect. I love working with the school as well.”

Mrs Till also reads to pupils four times a week at the school on a voluntary basis.

She previously worked in accounts and spent 31 years as a lunchtime assistant at Francis Baily Primary School.

A special assembly was recently organised at Spurcroft to celebrate her latest milestone.

Headteacher Kate Flowerdew said: “Mrs Till is such a valuable member of the Spurcroft community.

“Her kindness and responsibility in ensuring the safety of our children each day, set a powerful example for all of us. We are truly grateful for everything she does for our families.”

Pupils joined in by sharing messages of appreciation and presented Mrs Till with a handmade card.

She also received an award and certificate in recognition of her service.