A LONG-serving lollipop lady who served Greenock and Gourock for more than 20 years has passed away having never retired from her job.

Popular school crossing patrol officer Catherine Kay, better known as Irene, died on Monday at the age of 83.

Irene was still working until eight weeks ago when she took ill suddenly with a rare condition known as Guillain-Barré syndrome, which affects the nervous system.

Her son Billy, the eldest of her six children, says she was the last full-time lollipop lady.

He said: "She was 83 and still working right up until two days before the school Easter holidays. "She went into hospital and was diagnosed with the nerve condition. "It came completely out of the blue.

"The family wanted to let the schools and kids know in case they were wondering where she was."

Irene worked as an Inverclyde Council lollipop lady for over 21-and-a-half years, initially at the Murdieston Street-Dunlop Street junction then to the Patrick Street and Houston Street area, serving St Mary's and Ardgowan primaries and Cedars private school.

The popular patrol officer also helped pupils navigate the Robertson Street-Ardgowan Square crossing point and latterly provided cover at Broomberry Drive and King Street for both St Ninian's and Gourock primaries.

Irene was married to William, known as Bill, for over 60 years.

The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 2015 shortly before Bill passed away.

They had five daughters and a son, nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Irene was brought up in Lynedoch Street and later lived in Cornhaddock Street before settling in Pembroke Road, Larkfield, with her family.

Billy, who runs the Spar shop in South Street, says his mother will be remembered for her strict but fun style with the children of Greenock and Gourock, which made her such a popular character.

He said: "Even the doctors and surgeons said you daren't make a move until she tells you.

"They had a laugh about it.

"She was a bit of a daredevil as well.

"The kids all used to buy her sweets and she gave them chocolate."

Irene's funeral will take place on Monday in Greenock Crematorium at 9am.