Lollipop lady, 87, retires after incredible 55 years of keeping children safe on roads

A veteran crossing guard has at long last put down her lollipop after a whopping 54 years on the job. Sandra Bellew, 87, has retired after over half a century of helping children navigate the dangers of the road in Missouri's Independence School District.

The lollipop lady first picked up her weapon of mass instruction in 1968, and has been using it to keep children safe ever since - witnessing multiple generations grow up through the decades. 

She has helped students, their children and even their grandchildren cross the road safely. 

A mother-of-seven, Sandra said she didn't get paid much, but it wasn't about that - saying she enjoyed her job and found the work fun.

She said she was "planning on going until I couldn't walk."

The outstanding octogenarian told Good Morning America: "It was a happy feeling and they all had such smiles on their faces.

"[The students] kept telling me how much they're going to miss me. 

"And of course, I had several crying and it was just really healing in a way, knowing that they did care and they will miss me."

She added she will miss meeting new people and getting hugs from the children. 

As she left, children presented the beloved crossing guard with a hand-drawn sign of their own which read: "We will miss you Sandra."

The colourful piece of paper was signed by many of the children, who also adorned it with personal messages.

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Students also gave her flowers, hugs, and posters.

In a video shared online, she can be heard saying "I'm gonna miss you," to one of the pupils before they say "I'm going to miss you too!"

But after nearly 55 years, Sandra said it was now time to invest in herself.

She said she's keen to take up sports - in particular swimming and water aerobics - to stay strong, fit and healthy.