WATCH: Singing and dancing lollipop man entertains Wolverhampton street
He brightens up the daily trudge to school for hundreds of schoolchildren by playing air guitar on his lollipop stick and making everyone laugh.
Keith Bennett also gives youngsters a rendition of his favourite reggae songs as he guides them safely across the road, giving a cheery call-out to motorists as he returns to the pavement.
He dances, he waves, he even does press-ups on the side of the road. Drivers toot him as they pass, children high-five him. And he is always singing, usually from the back catalogue of his hero Bob Marley.
In fact, the musical pensioner has become something of a legend in this corner of Wolverhampton where he has performed the duties of crossing control officer for 10 years. And he is known as much for his kindness as his kerbside antics.
WATCH Keith in action:
He says: "To put a smile on someone's face - that's good, that's what I like. If I make a difference to just one child that really makes my day."
His Wolverhampton council boss Karen Till said: "He is unique, we don't have anyone quite as flamboyant as Keith doing the job. If he sees anyone upset, he will given them that extra boost to see them through the day. He's special, and everyone loves him."
The 65-year-old, who crosses children across Parkfields Road, was showered with gifts for on 65th birthday earlier this month.
One motorist even passed a parcel out of his car window as he was passing while mother-of two Gemma-Louise Walker baked him a cake.
Mrs Walker, a teaching assistant said: "Keith has been crossing my kids across the road for nine years. He's lovely, no matter how they are feeling, they see Keith and they smile."
And it's not just children that the lively lollipop man cheers up. Michael Ross, 52, who sees him on his way home for his night shift, said: "Everyone loves him on the street.
"I bring him a coffee sometimes, or a Guinness to take home for later. His heart is in the right place and he gives a lot of enjoyment to people. Life is so stressful, we need people like Keith in our lives."
The great-grandfather-of five, who lives in Park Hall Road, says joshing with the children gives him a reason to get up in the morning. He also works as a cleaner at Bantock Park.
"Who wants to sit at home watching the television all day? We're all one big family, and I'm going to miss them during the school holidays."
His lollipop stick might say 'Stop' but the people of Parkfields want him to carry right on.
