Lollipop man Arnie can’t be licked

Arnie Marsden: “You are like Superman to some of the little ones”

A POPULAR lollipop man who retired after 12 years has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award.

Arnie Marsden (64) was the school crossing patrol officer for both Beal Vale Primary School and St James Primary School, Shaw, for seven years before moving to Crompton House School for five years before retiring in May.

Arnie, of Westminster Close, Shaw, was nominated by Crompton House pupils Ben and Alex and their mum Liane Robinson, who said: “Arnie did an absolutely fantastic job as the crossing warden — in fact I truly believe he was the best in the country! He always had a great temperament and got on extremely well with all the pupils and staff. He will be a hard act to follow.

“I believe that if a video had been made of him working, it would have been an excellent training tool for other crossing wardens as I don’t think he ever put a foot wrong.”

But modest Arnie, previously a compositor at the Oldham Chronicle for 35 years, said of his nomination: “I am a little bit embarrassed. I was just doing my job.”

While he doesn’t miss the bad weather since retiring, he added: “I really miss the children, they made the job. When you put on your yellow coat and have your stick, you are like Superman to some of the little ones.”