A lollipop man is literally dancing in the street and greets pupils with a song, a smile and a BOOGIE.
Nkosana Mdikane, 73, has brightened up the mornings of hundreds of school kids since taking up his job in road safety a month ago.
Affectionately known as ‘Smiley’, he guards the crossing outside Aitkenbar Primary School Dumbarton, Scotland, every morning, dancing and singing with his giant lollipop.
He said: “I just like to shake those lazy bones. When the kids cross the street, some of them shake my hand and others give me a high five.
“Some of the elderly people who walk by ask me for a little dance. When I’m working I do anything within the law. Singing is allowed, dancing is allowed and giving high fives is also allowed.
“I don’t like to miss anybody out and dancing is an exercise which keeps me warm when it is cold.
“I don’t need music to dance – I’ve got music in my body. When I think of music the movement just comes automatically.”
Before moving to Scotland from Vereeniging, South Africa in 2003, Nkosana worked as a delivery driver and a chauffeur.
He then started a construction business and later went into the removal business.
When he came to Scotland he took up several agency jobs and then repaired vehicles for First bus operators.
Nkosana and wife Zoli, 71, a former nurse were looking forward to retirement, but when his neighbour told him a position as lollipop man was available, he jumped at the opportunity.
He said yesterday: “This job is exciting. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. My neighbour told me about the job and I knew I had to have it straight away.
“It has taken away the frustration of and loneliness of being retired. I can’t be watching TV — that is too dull.”
His positive attitude, his infectious smile and the little dance routines have lightened up the community and some drivers even take detours – just so they can drive by him.
Mum Stacey Diamond said: “Aitkenbar Primary School’s lollipop man deserves a place in the paper – everyone loves him.
“All passing cars beep their horn and wave to him as he dances away, even when it is pouring with rain.
“My children go to St Patrick’s Primary School, but we make sure we drive by him every day!”
A spokesman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “Nkosana is one of a team of nearly 60 school crossing patrollers in West Dunbartonshire who are valued members of the community and provide an excellent service in all weathers.
“It is great that Nkosana has been highlighted for his cheery nature and brightens up the days of not only the children but also passing motorists.”
