CHILDREN at Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in South Ockendon have been a busy bunch lately.

They have been collecting tinned food, biscuits and other goods for this year’s Harvest Festival on October 10, which they gave to residents at Leatherland Lodge care home, Holy Cross Parish and members of the community.

They also paid tribute to Margaret Wiseman, of Cawdor Avenue, a much loved lollipop lady who worked for over 27 years at the crossing near to Holy Cross School in Daiglen Drive.

Each class made a special card to give to Margaret's family.

The hearse stopped outside the school where parents and children paid their respects.

Headteacher at Holy Cross, Kate Golden, said: "Margaret was a lovely woman, kind and caring, who loved the children.

"She will be sadly missed by our community."