Heated lollipop for school patrol

Sheila Bensley tests a heated lollipop stick

Heated lollipop sticks being tested by an energy supplier will be keeping at least one school crossing lady warm this winter.

Sheila Bensley, a lollipop lady in Norwich for 22 years, is testing the stick for Powergen for a day.

The sticks are embedded with a strip to heat the hand-grip and have an adjustable temperature dial.

Mrs Bensley, who patrols outside George White Middle School in Norwich, said the sticks were perfect for winter.

"I love my job but during the winter it does get pretty cold," she said.

"It's such a simple idea - the stick itself looks exactly like a normal lollipop stick but has a heated area in the handle so it's perfect for keeping us toasty on our patrols during the chilly winter months."

If the trial goes well Mrs Bensley will keep the stick.

'Huge warmth'

Powergen spokesman Mike Newell said lollipop officers did a good job and the firm was showing its gratitude.

Mr Newell said: "People feel a huge warmth towards lollipop patrols - so we're just putting some of that warmth back into the lollipop stick itself."

The sticks will also be tested in Nottingham, Manchester and London.