It's a stick up every day for the 'magnificent seven'

Chitty-chitty-bang-bang is one car that school lollipop patrol Laurie Lofthouse has never stopped outside Maybury Primary School. But he did plan to see the flying jalopy, in the new London musical, while enjoying a prize weekend in the capital in April.

Always there: Laurie Lofthouse hitches a lift.

Laurie was among seven of Hull's lollipop patrols who were given special thanks by the Lord Mayor and a chance to take part in a prize draw, sponsored by East Yorkshire Motor Services. The 'magnificent seven' who patrol crossings at the city's primary schools had not missed a single duty in the last year. In fact, Laurie, has had less than a week off during all his 14 years on lollipop patrol.

The former City Council refuse collector was delighted to win the trip. He immediately booked tickets for him and his wife, June, to see the new musical 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' starring Michael Ball. The other lollipop patrols thanked at an informal ceremony at the Guildhall were Ann Garrood, Chris Rockett, Michael Turpin, Norma Sawyers, Betty Razey, and Glynis Donaldon.

Hull has a total 97 patrols. Vacancies currently exist for people of all ages (there's no upper age limit) willing to provide this vital service.

For further details, call Jo Thoresby on 612107