A LOLLIPOP man was surprised on his 80th birthday with a card made by children at Oldbury Park Primary School.

A group of year two children made and presented the card to Mike Dowling yesterday just before he started his 2:45 pm shift.

Mr Dowling who has been keeping children safe at home time for 10 years said: "I love it (the job), I dread to think when I have to stop."

The children met him outside with their teacher Miss Jones and deputy head Margaret Phillips to sing happy birthday before giving him his card and a present. Mr Dowling said: "It was a lovely surprise. I love meeting them every day. I don't know their names though because I'm hopeless with names."

Before working at the school Mr Dowling worked at sea for 35 years in the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and on sailing ships.

Mrs Phillips said "He is out in all weather. He is such an amazing man, he is always happy and has always got a cheery wave for everyone. He is such a treasure to have outside our school and he keeps everybody safe which is a very important job."