Schoolchildren fight to save their lollipop man

School children and their parents held a pedestrianised protest in Bristol today to highlight proposed cuts in lollipop patrols.

They staged a continuous crossing of the busy A37 - the Wells Road - for half an hour. The protesters say the road is dangerously busy with the crossing unsafe for young children on their way to school.

In Totterdown, Paul Whitmell is a local hero.

He's been manning the crossing near Hillcrest Primary School for more than 15 years.

For the children Paul helps safely cross the road, this morning wasn't a normal school run

Armed with parents and placards they came to his aid, protesting against the council's proposition to stop funding lollipop patrols where there's a crossing.

They chant "Save Paul, save Paul" as they take part in their crossing protest.

• Watch the lollipop protest by Bristol schoolchildren

The children's parents believe their lives will be put at risk by the removal of the crossing patrol.

The council plans to remove funding from half of Bristol's 80 school crossing patrols by 2019. It issued the following statement:

One parent had more reason than most to fear the loss of the lollipop man.

The council is asking the community's opinion but one way or another it needs to save £150,000 from its school crossings budget.

Which patrols will survive the cuts will be decided at the end of the year.