Meet the mother and son helping keep schoolchildren safe in Grimsby

Rosemary and Alex Toyne both serve as School Crossing Patrol Officers on Queen Mary Avenue in Grimsby, supporting pupils and parents at opposite ends of the same street. 

Rosemary joined North East Lincolnshire Council's School Crossing Patrol team in 2015, whilst Alex was in his final year of secondary school. Seven years later, her son Alex followed in her footsteps and became a School Crossing Patrol Officer in 2022 after learning he was expecting his first child. 

For the family, the role holds special significance. Both Rosemary and Alex attended school on Queen Mary Avenue when they were younger and remember being helped across the road by Beryl Quantrill, who became known as the country's longest-serving School Crossing Patrol Officer. 

After an incredible 57 years in the role, Beryl retired in 2022, with Alex proudly taking up the position outside Queen Mary Avenue Infant and Nursery School. 

Alex said: "It's really good working down the same street as my mother." 

Rosemary added: "I enjoy seeing my son every day, Monday to Friday, and working on the same street as him. It's rewarding to help children cross safely and get to know the families who use the crossing." 

For more information on school crossing patrols, visit School crossing patrols | NELC