A POPULAR Glasgow lollipop man received a heartwarming send-off as he prepared to put down his lollipop stick after seven years of service last week. 

Iain Gilmour has helped children and families safely get to and from St Bernard's Primary School in the city's Southside since August 31, 2014. 

The 65-year-old completed his final shift before retiring on Wednesday, December 22, and children from P6 and P7 classes at the school treated him to a special performance of Christmas carols to show their appreciation of his service. 

Glasgow Times: [Photograph by Colin Mearns] [Photograph by Colin Mearns]

Mr Gilmour couldn't believe it as he crossed the road to be greeted by pupils singing festive tunes and said the gesture meant "everything in the world".

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Glasgow Times: Iain Gilmour. [Photograph by Colin Mearns]Iain Gilmour. [Photograph by Colin Mearns]

He commented: "It's a very worthwhile job, I'm going to miss it. I've never been off, never been late. It was absolutely fantastic." 

Iain, who grew up in Glasgow and currently lives in Pollok, said his retirement plans include continuing to play bowls at his local green. 

Primary pupils showed their enthusiasm as they sang 'Last Christmas' and 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' in the pouring rain. 

Glasgow Times: Elaine MacEachen, headteacher at St Bernard's Primary School. [Photograph by Colin Mearns] Elaine MacEachen, headteacher at St Bernard's Primary School. [Photograph by Colin Mearns]

Elaine MacEachen, headteacher at St Bernard's Primary School explained how the surprise came about.

She said: "We organised this surprise for Iain today because he works so hard with our children and families. 

"He's always been there, he goes out of his way to make the children feel comfortable, the families feel comfortable and he is a fantastic member of our school team and we just thought it would be a nice way to finish his time with us just to take the children round and to have a proper wee send-off especially at times like this with everything going on just now." 

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Glasgow Times: [Photograph by Colin Mearns] [Photograph by Colin Mearns]

Pupils at St Bernard's worked hard to keep the performance a secret and were "really excited" to surprise the popular lollipop man. 

Mrs MacEachen added: "They (the pupils) were really excited and I think keeping a surprise this morning as well from Iain when they were coming across was probably quite difficult for some of our children but they did that so it was a surprise for him as well and he didn't know anything about it which was great. 

"A huge thank you for everything Iain has done, for his dedication and commitment to our families, and the best of luck to have a long and happy retirement."