A LEGENDARY lollipop lady who spent 43 years helping children at a Helensburgh primary school get to school safely said she was “shocked and overwhelmed but delighted” to be included in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Effie Walker, 81, was named a British Empire Medal recipient for her long service to the community – and in particular to Colgrain Primary, where she became part of the lives of generations of children, parents and staff.

Former Provost Billy Petrie, a Freeman of Argyll and Bute and a past deputy lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, said: “Effie is simply incredible – I don’t think there’s anyone who has a record quite like hers.”

The school's pupils and staff gathered on Monday morning to congratulate Effie on her “well-deserved” honour.

The great-grandmother took up the post at the school in August 1973 and retired in October last year.

She said: “I loved working here and I love the children. Colgrain was my only school and I have worked with four head teachers.

“I have always got on with everyone and have seen generations of families come through the school.

“It’s not the job for you if you don’t like the weather. I really loved the job and was delighted to start and end my time in the job at Colgrain.”

Effie remains closely involved in life at Colgrain by helping out at the nursery once a week.

She said: “It helps me stay involved because I really miss the job and the children.”

Colgrain Primary head teacher Johanna McClelland said: “We are absolutely delighted for Effie – this is so well deserved.

“We all miss her very much. So much so we asked her to return once a week to read to the nursery children.

“Effie has always been a big part of our school community and everyone is thrilled that her service to Colgrain has been recognised.”

When the news broke on Friday night, she was quickly on the phone to her son John, daughter Susan, grandchildren Amanda, Ruth and Andrew and great grandchildren Lauren, Austin and Riley, to deliver the good news.

Effie said: “The letter said Strictly Confidential, so I had to keep it a secret, but I’m good at keeping secrets so it wasn’t too difficult but I was excited to tell my family. They were not only delighted for me but impressed I managed to keep it quiet.”

Effie donned her old uniform one last time for photographs with the Colgrain pupils and staff on Monday.

She told the Advertiser said: “Today has been lovely, singing songs with the children and speaking to the staff.

“I was delighted to come down and see them knowing I’ve done my bit and I do miss seeing their smiling faces every day.

“Some of the children have joked that I am royal and asked if they have to bow now.”

Effie’s high standing in the community was recognised last year when, at the suggestion of Colgrain’s pupils, a new Dunbritton Housing Association development on East King Street was named Walker Court in her honour.

Effie will be presented with her medal by Lord Lieutenant for Argyll and Bute, Patrick Stewart, at a local ceremony later this year. She will also receive an invitation to the Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2018.