A BATTLING mum who won the fight for an extra crossing patrol outside an Addingham school is asking for a volunteer to act as a reserve lollipop man or woman.

Fiona Mann was so angry when a car narrowly missed her four-year-old son, James, as he crossed the vehicle turning circle at Addingham Primary School that she took up the fight for the crossing patrol.

Mrs Mann said: "This car driver just put his foot down. I don't know how he missed James. It was just the most horrific experience - I thought he was a goner. I was a nervous wreck."

Mrs Mann immediately contacted the school head about the issue and decided to take action to improve safety.

"It was an accident waiting to happen, " said Mrs Mann.

In January this year her persistence was rewarded when Bradford Council agreed to fund an extra patrol person on Bolton Road to keep the children safe.

Mrs Mann received praised from parish councillors, district councillors and the school for her action which revived the campaign which looked to have been abandoned for lack of money.

But now Mrs Mann, of Springfield Mount, said there was an urgent need for a reserve crossing patrol to cover for holidays and sickness.

Mrs Mann said: "The problem came to a head earlier in the year when one of the lollipop ladies had to have some time off work and the main entrance to school on the very busy Bolton Road was left without cover for a week.

"The school sent out a letter to parents, asking them if they would be prepared, or knew anyone who would be prepared, to take on the role but unfortunately there were no takers."

The position requires someone who is reasonably fit, able to work at short notice and the successful applicant would be paid, not only for the hours worked but also for being on stand-by.

"Anyone interested should in the first instance contact me on (01943) 830533 and I can put them in touch with the relevant authority," said Mrs Mann.