A NUMBER of Vale of Glamorgan Council school crossing patrol officers have been recognised in the Vale Road Safety Awards, held in The Dock Office, in Barry.

The annual awards presentation, organised by the Vale council’s Road Safety Team as part of the highway development and traffic group, recognises and rewards the contribution provided by those working on schools crossing patrols throughout the county.

The top award for school’s crossing patrol of the year was given to Nicholas Latham, a popular member of the St Helen’s School community in Barry.

Mr Latham helps youngsters cross the busy stretch of road on Tynewydd Hill.

Other award winners included Ruth Grant, who won the prize for Barry, Julie Ellis, winner of the Llantwit Major and Rural Vale area award, and David Regan, who was the winner for Penarth, Sully & Dinas Powys.

Four long-serving officers who had retired or moved on during the year were thanked for their collective 63 years of service.

A special thank you was extended to the co-ordinators and volunteers of the kerbcraft child pedestrian training scheme.

This year, 600 year two pupils have learnt to cross the road safely thanks to the initiative.

The winners enjoyed a buffet and road safety quiz, with some taking part in ‘Pin the Nose on the Reindeer’.

Vale council deputy leader and cabinet member for education and regeneration, councillor Lis Burnett, thanked those in attendance.

She said: “The school crossing patrol service and kerbcraft schemes were established in recognition of the need to keep children safe whilst out and about, on and near our busy roads.

"The success of any scheme relies upon the commitment and dedication of the individuals involved.

“Everyone here has played their part in contributing to road safety over the past year in the Vale."