An 89-year-old lollipop lady who has helped children cross the roads has been honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Mary Nye has been serving her community for more than half a century having helped multiple generation of children cross the road outside Holbrook Primary School.

Now, the lollipop lady has been honoured with a British Empire Medal.

Talking about her role, Mary said she has seen some unusual things during her long career including a cat which regularly joined her during crossing duties.

“It used to wait and cross with me – not just one way but both ways,” she said.

Mary has seen Holbrook Primary School children grow into adults and has helped their own children cross North Heath Lane safely.

Mary spent the first part of her service crossing children from Greenway Junior School and Trafalgar Community Infant School before moving to her current spot.

She was first drawn to the role because it allowed her to spend school holidays with her own children.

Mary is one of 20 people from Sussex who have been honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours list today.

Tristram Mayhew, the co-founder of Go Ape and a former Army captain, received an MBE for services to young people.

He described the news as “unexpected and flattering”, adding: “Go Ape is about trying to create adventures and encourage people to live life more adventurously.”

Others honoured in this year’s awards include former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who earned a knighthood, and Harry Potter and The Crown actress Imelda Staunton, who earned a damehood.

Actress and disability activist Rose Ayling-Ellis has been given an MBE as has Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden.

In sport, Mark Cavendish has been given a knighthood while footballers Graham Souness and Karen Carney have been given a CBE and OBE respectively The King’s Birthday Honours List recognises over 1,000 people across the country who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and in their professions.