DUDLEY Council is looking for friendly and enthusiastic people to join its school crossing patrol team.

Following a commitment to fund the service for the next three years, council bosses are now looking to fill roles in 13 key locations across Stourbridge, Dudley, Halesowen, Quarry Bank, Kingswinford and Netherton.

All posts are permanent and start in September.

Shifts vary on different sites but posts are normally between six hours and seven-and-a-half hours a week during term time - between 8am and 9.15am and 2.45pm and 4pm - with cover required during the morning and evening school runs.

The hourly rate for most candidates is around £8.55 per hour.

Mandy Kettley, who has been helping children safely cross the road for 13 years, said: “I like my job because I enjoy meeting people, meeting the children and crossing them over and seeing their smiling faces.

“It’s a really satisfying job and we have a laugh, we want to come to work. I just love the job, absolutely love it.”

Alan Lunt, strategic director for place, added: “Our patrols do a fantastic job helping to keep our children safe on the roads, and they quickly become a key part of their local community. Many of our patrols love the role so much they stay with us for decades.

“We hope that by changing the way people can apply to become a school crossing patrol that we will open up these rewarding roles to people who may not have considered applying before.

Anyone interested in finding out more should call 01384 815401.