HEADteacher David Clarke is offering a free lollipop to anyone that takes up his offer of a twice a day job at his Marlborough school.

As well as a small salary, whoever accepts the job of school crossing patrol officer at St Peter's Junior School will get the mandatory lollipop to hold.

It's been nine months since the last lollipop lady called it a day.

Since then pupils have had to use the zebra crossing outside the school gates unaided to cross the busy A4 road.

Mr Clarke said: "We have operated well without a lollipop lady for the last few months but I am worried that something could happen on the crossing when we do not have one."

The head said it would be better for the school and for the community to have a uniformed crossing officer with a lollipop.

"When you have a crossing patrol everybody realises there is a school there," said Mr Clarke.

Anyone interested should call the school office on (01672) 513158.