A popular lollipop lady has quit her job after being tormented by school children, leaving parents campaigning for her to return.

The lollipop lady, known as Jenny, worked at the crossing near Auckland Road and Sylvan Hill in Upper Norwood for more than 12 years.

But she decided to quit her job after being targeted by a handful of pupils from the Phil Edwards Centre, a short stay school, who assaulted her and on one occasion threw rocks at her.

Parents have said a minority of pupils from the school have intimidated other children and thrown objects at cars and motorbikes passing by.

A group of concerned parents are upset about the situation and want Jenny to return as they see her as a vital part of their children’s safety.

Tracey Savannah Kan, 46, who has three children and lives in Auckland Road, said she is desperate to have Jenny back manning the crossing.

She said:"It is sad that is has come to this because of a few troublemakers. She has the support of the parents around her.

"We always stopped and had a chat with her, we are trying to find her and ask her to come back. We all miss her."

Michelle Hannell, 38, of Crystal Palace who has two children attending Cypress Primary School, said it is vital to have a lollipop lady on that crossing.

She said: "Jenny is so important to have around. She is very rarely off and one time she was off, someone got knocked over. That road is dangerous."

Councillor Wayne Lawlor, of South Norwood ward, said: "It is always heart wrenching when someone who is well liked in the community leaves.

"We are talking to the referral unit to find out what is going on."

The school explained they could not comment on the specific details of the case.

But a Croydon Council spokesman said: "Council staff have important jobs to carry out, so it is totally unacceptable that they should be abused by members of the public and we will always support officers if there is an accusation of a verbal or physical attack."