A LOLLIPOP man, who was facing the axe in budget cuts, has been saved thanks to the combined efforts of schoolchildren and the WHT.

Dennis Hibbert’s crossing patrol in Codicote High Street was under threat because of county council belt-tightening.

Codicote Primary School, which is served by Dennis’ patrol, ran a campaign and made posters, which were sent to county councillor Stuart Pile.

But we can reveal the decision to drop Dennis has been shelved, after a petition with more than 300 signatures and a story highlighting the situation appeared in this newspaper.

Mr Hibbert was overjoyed to keep manning the crossing, and said: “I’m very happy.”

School head Liz Pollard told the WHT: “We’re absolutely delighted.

“Dennis is a real part of our school and part of the community.”

Cllr Pile said: “The current crossing patrol service will continue.”

But he added the matter would be “considered again in the new year”.