Tributes have been paid to a Sefton school crossing patrolman who has sadly passed away at the age of 87.

Arthur Snellgrove, a long time welcoming face for thousands of pupils at St Benedict's Primary in Netherton, died peacefully at home in early January, 2022.

As well as serving as a Sefton School Crossing Patrolman for 23 years, Arthur was a local celebrity in his beloved hometown.

Chosen as the main guest of honour at the Netherton Activity Centre to kickstart a dazzling fireworks display in 2019, Arthur proved he was just the right man to make Sefton sparkle again and again.

Later that same year, for the Sefton Borough of Culture celebrations, Arthur, with his trusty lollipop, officially switched on the Parabolic Light Cloud Installation in front of huge crowds.

"A credit to his profession and an officer who will be sadly missed by all those in the Operational In House Services team," is how colleagues have memorably described Arthur.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: "Arthur started on his lollipop patrol in September of 1999 and without fail made the trip between his home and St Benedict's School for the next 23 years, four times a day.

"Not only will he be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues but there are generations of families in South Sefton who will fondly remember Arthur as the ever-smiling face of St Benedict's.

"There are parents in Sefton who Arthur will have helped cross the road safely back when they were in primary school and they will have since waved their children off to start their school day knowingly confidently that they were in Arthur's safe hands.

"Arthur was ever present with a wave and a smile to parents, children and motorists and was extremely popular with all who knew him.

"Even at the young age of 87 he would ride his bike back and forth to his crossing from home four times a day!"

Arthur will be sadly missed by all at Sefton Council.