Popular lollipop man Bernard retiring

Pensioner Bernard Cocklin has manned the road outside St Richard’s RC Primary School for the past 11 years and has become a firm favourite with pupils, staff and parents.

The former firefighter always has a word for everyone and even gives each child a Christmas card each year.

But now after 11 years he has decided to call it a day and the school in Atherton marked the occasion by presenting him with cards and gifts.

Headteacher Dawn Nulty, said: “Bernard is a well-loved lollipop man. The children appreciate his friendly, chatty manner and the fact that he gives each of them a Christmas card. He has time for every child and the adults who bring them to school.

“His cheery, polite and welcoming manner is something we will all miss. During his time at St Richard’s he has always given over and above what his job description requires.

“A very community minded person, some years ago when there was a small fire at the school, it was Bernard, who tackled the blaze preventing more extensive damage. Although we will all miss him greatly we do wish him a long, well-earned and happy retirement.”

Bernard, who worked at Turner Brothers at Hindley Green before joining the fire service said: “I served 25 years before moving to Hindley Fire Station and retired at 55. I then looked for a job that would lead me into retirement and got in touch with school crossing patrols.

“I spent some time floating between schools before being posted back into Atherton and St Richard’s. It’s a poignant place to retire from. I’ve loved keeping the children safe, they are very polite and very easy to work with and have fun with. I have never met a nicer group of children, families and staff as I have at St Richard’s.”