The Isle of Wight Council is encouraging children, parents and teachers to nominate their favourite Lollipop person for the prestigious Lollipop Person of the Year Awards 2009 organised by Kwikfit Insurance and UK road safety charity Brake.

Now in its seventh year, the annual award recognise the hard work and dedication of the men and women who patrol the UK’s school crossings to ensure children’s safety on a daily basis, whatever the weather.

The Island has 40 school crossing patrols who each play an important role in making roads safer for children. Last year, Madeleine Wray who works in Newport Road, Ventnor came third in the regional Lollipop Person of the Year and it is hoped that we will be able to replicate or even surpass last year’s achievement.

The award organisers are looking for people who go above and beyond the call of duty to make the school journey safer for children.

Cllr Barry Abraham, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for Fire and Community Safety said:

“Our school crossing patrols play a crucial role in ensuring that children cross our roads safely to get to and from school each day. If you feel your Lollipop person deserves special recognition I would encourage you to nominate them for this special award.”

Nominations can be made at www.bestlollipop.co.uk. The closing date is Friday 30 October and the overall winner will be announced in December.