� A concert will be held in memory of a “loved” lollipop man who helped South Woodford school children cross the road safely for more than 16 years.

Ted Feathers, described as the heart and soul of the community, patrolled the area outside Churchfields Junior and Infants schools in Churchfields before he became ill with cancer.

Now children and staff at the school are determined to build a lasting memorial to Mr Feathers’ memory.

Hundreds of mourners lined the streets to pay their last respects to him during his funeral precession, after he died in July.

Tonight pupils, teachers and parents will hold a celebration of his life at St Mary’s Church in High Road.

The event will feature dances and songs chosen by youngsters as well as acts which took part in talent competition Churchfields’ Got Talent.

There will be two performances and Mr Feathers’ family will be guests of honour at the evening show.

The proceeds of the event will go towards a permanent memorial which the school is taking suggestions for.

Junior school governor Maureen Hoskins said: “We want to celebrate his life and his connection with the school over a long period.

“I knew him for many years. He was a great friend of the school and the school was a great friend of him.

“He was very upset when had to stop doing his job after being taken ill, but he did manage to make one last visit to the school and he told me how much he missed seeing the children.”

Sorely missed

Speaking last year, headteacher Wendy Thomas said: “Ted was simply the heart and soul of our community and we all loved him very much.

“He had a great relationship with the children, who were always pleased to see him and he will be sorely missed.”

The school’s website has a page dedicated to Mr Feathers of Maldon Walk, Woodford Green and tributes are still being submitted.