Published: Wednesday, 16th December, 2009 4:38pm

Sweet success for top Lollipop man John

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By Rosalyn Campbell

A RENFREW man hailed as Scotland's top Lollipop Man was celebrating again after being named the best in Britain.

John Foley, 56, has made a huge impression on children, teachers and parents despite only starting his job in January of this year.

Youngsters created a 'This is Your Life'-style book explaining why John is number one for the Kwik Fit competition.

As well as helping the kids to cross the road each day, John has changed car tyres when staff have punctures, has helped the dinner ladies set up the dining room tables in time for lunch and has been generally involved in all school activities.

The former firefighter was forced to take early retirement from Strathclyde Fire Brigade after 18 years' service when he was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome ME.

He said: "It was big blow at the time as I was a very active person.

"It was difficult to stay positive at that time in my life, but I've been in good health in recent years and working with the staff and children of Bushes Primary School has given me a new lease of life."

Head teacher Moira Monaghan said: "We were over the moon when we heard John had been picked as the winner for Scotland, but when we took the call saying he had won for the whole of the UK, we just couldn't believe it.

"He's such an important part of our school and we really don't think the title of Kwik Fit Insurance Lollipop Person of the Year could go to a better person. The kids love him dearly and so do we."

The school held a special assembly in John's honour which was attended by Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Schools and Skills, and George Bowie, presenter of Radio Clyde's breakfast show.

Presenting the award at a special ceremony at the school, Brendan Devine, managing director of Kwik Fit Financial Services, said: "We received almost 20,000 entries to the competition from schools across the length and breadth of the UK, but John's entry stood head and shoulders above the rest - the effort the school children put into their nomination of John has outstanding and it was immediately clear just how much John is loved and valued by the whole of Bushes Primary."

As well as a unique trophy John will receive a £1500 holiday voucher and the school will be presented with a cheque for £3000 which they plan to use to create a community garden with John's help.

Hamleys, the world's most famous toy store, which recently opened in Glasgow's St Enoch Centre, donated 450 Hamleys lollipops to the children of Bushes Primary School.

In total, more than 19,000 entries were received from schools across the UK.