Hayling Island's '˜lollipop man' does a kind deed for fellow churchgoers

'Lollipop man Jim Burgess guides church congregation members across the road at St Mary's Church, Hayling Island
Picture: Mick Young
(161076-02) — 'Lollipop man Jim Burgess guides church congregation members across the road at St Mary's Church, Hayling Island Picture: Mick Young (161076-02)

Jim Burgess, 82, volunteers as an unofficial ‘lollipop man’ every weekend for members of St Mary’s Church on Hayling Island.

Wearing a high-visibility jacket from his old job as a truck driver, army veteran Jim flags down cars so that pedestrians can cross Church Road for refreshments at St Mary’s Church Hall.

He said: ‘It shows that I am being appreciated by parishioners – but we can’t afford a lollipop yet!’

Jim Burgess Picture: Mick Young (161076-03)

Good samaritan Jim, who served during the Korean War, leaves the service at St Mary’s early to perform the kind deed.

Jim said: ‘A lot of people do thank me when they walk past but you do get odd drivers that are getting a bit naughty.

‘I had one bloke in his car come right up behind me and his bumper hit the back my leg. I wasn’t very happy about that but I just walked away.

‘I went to the police and they agreed that I was doing them a good service and saving them a job.’

The Rev Dr Jenny Gaffin, the priest-in-charge at St Mary’s, has also praised Jim’s actions.

She said: ‘We are conscious that it’s a dangerous road and there have been accidents on the road before.

‘I am grateful to Jim for doing his bit in ensuring the safety of his fellow parishioners on a Sunday morning.’