Children, parents and staff at Overton Primary School have said a fond farewell to local school crossing patrol officer Keith Vallis, who has helped pupils safely cross the road for the final time after a decade of dedicated service.
Keith has been a familiar and reassuring face on the High Street for the past ten years, helping generations of children get to and from school safely, whatever the weather. His friendly smile and steady presence have made him a well-known and much-loved part of village life.
Many parents have praised Keith for his commitment to keeping children safe during busy school runs, often braving rain, wind and winter mornings to ensure everyone crossed safely.
His departure marks the end of an era for Overton, and the community is expected to miss seeing him in his trademark high-vis jacket each day.
A spokesperson said Keith’s service had been “greatly valued” by families and the wider village, thanking him for his years of dedication and wishing him all the best for the future.
With Keith now stepping down, Hampshire County Council is looking for someone to take on the important role of school crossing patrol officer for Overton.
The position offers the chance to play a vital part in the local community by helping children travel safely to and from school each day.
Anyone interested in applying can find full details and submit an application online at: Hampshire County Council Careers.