A SCHOOL’S lollipop man has been crowned a local hero for his hard work and dedication.

Ron Hilton, 83, has been voted as the Rayleigh Local Hero by customers at the Rayleigh Lodge pub in recognition of his contribution to the neighbourhood.

The pub, located on the Chase, in Rayleigh, held a surprise party in honour of Mr Hilton to thank him for his dedication to the safety of school children at Grove Wood Primary School.

Over 100 parents and children attended the event to celebrate Mr Hilton’s achievements over the 17 years he has been the lollipop man.

Richard Green, headteacher at the primary school, said: “Ron is such a huge part of everything at the school, everyone loves him. He always has such enthusiasm, and welcomes the children every day.

“He is much more than our lollipop man, he is a real asset to the school. In 2009 he was voted East of England Lollipop Man of the Year, the parents always get behind him and support him.

“If you ask Ron, he describes his job as his life, he knows all of the children, their parents and grandparents.”

After hearing about Mr Hilton’s hard work for the school and children, general manager of the pub, Julie Punter, decided to organise the party by setting up a secret event on Facebook and inviting everyone who had nominated Ron for the award.

She said: “We were so impressed and delighted by the reaction of the neighbourhood to our local hero Facebook competition. Ron is loved by the children of Grove School and we are so proud to host this surprise thank-you party to celebrate him as our local hero.

“Myself, the team and guests at Rayleigh Lodge think Ron is amazing.”

Mr Hilton said he was overwhelmed by all the effort the community went through.

He said: “It feels great to be awarded. I couldn’t believe it when I walked in. I think I am still in dreamland.

“I am very proud to be voted Local Rayleigh Hero, but it is all about the children, they are what is important and what makes it so wonderful.

“It is the best school in Rayleigh, but of course I am a little biased, the children are great and so are the parents, and I can’t praise the staff enough. Everyone is unbelievable.

“It was a big surprise, I thought I had just come to shake a few hands and collect a prize and then so many people were here.

“It has been so good over the years, it is an honour to do the job.”

** PARENTS at Grove Wood Primary School told how they are overwhelmed by Ron Hilton’s kindness, describing him as “wonderful.”

Claire Rodgers, whose two daughters attend the school, in Grove Road, Rayleigh, said: “The children love him, he is such a lovely man. I don’t know how he does it but he knows all the children’s names and greets them when they cross. You won’t meet a nicer man, he is just brilliant.

“He has been working here for a long time – if he’s not around, everyone asks where he is.

“He is in his eighties and he is still out in all weather, and he stays out until all the children have gone home.

“He really deserves the award, he is loved by everyone. He does so much more than his job, he gets involved in any road safety topics and plays Father Christmas every year.”

Mum Lynsey Warren added: “Ron is wonderful, he is such a kind, caring and considerate individual.

“He knows all the children and seeing him every morning really brightens up our day – I have a son in the primary school and a daughter in the pre-school.

“He is always so thoughtful and such a joy to see. He is such a humble man – he doesn’t expect anything from anyone but helps everyone himself.

“He comes and helps in the pre-school and really gets involved, he really loves it all.

“It is a pleasure to have him around and I am so overwhelmed by his kindness. It’s great to support him with my children and be awarded for his work.”

Anne May works in the Grove Wood pre-school. She said: “I’m so happy for him, it has been a long time coming. My eldest left the school 11 years ago and Ron still remembers him and asks how he is doing.

“He always has a smile on his face and has so much patience – we all really love Ron.

“We could never replace him, he is a massive asset, we would be lost without him.

“He’s so loved, at Christmas and his birthday he is inundated with presents and well wishes.”