TRIBUTES for a well-loved lollipop man have been gathering by a zebra crossing close to a Hatfield school.

Charlie Rose, known to many pupils who attend Countess Anne Primary School as ‘Chaz’, died peacefully on May 14, aged 72.

Flowers and cards remembering the man have been flooding in ever since.

Charlie worked at the crossing on St Albans Road East ferrying children safely to and from the School Lane establishment for six-and-a-half years.

Pupils Caitlin and Brandon wrote a note to Charlie which read: “Thank you for crossing us safely across the road. You were the best lollipop man in history!”

Another family wrote: “Thank you for welcoming my daughter on her first walk to school by giving out bags of sweets on the first day of term last year to all the new pupils.

“It warmed my heart that you still cared for the children after all these years. Rest in peace.”

Headteacher David Lodge said: “The man was well liked and built up a good relationship with families. It was great to have someone out there looking out for the children and supporting them across.”

Mr Rose is survived by his wife Hazel, children and grandchildren.

His funeral took place yesterday (Wednesday) at Harwood Park Crematorium near Knebworth.