WORCESTERSHIRE has lost 15 lollipop men and women in the last five years as a road safety charity warns that four children are seriously hurt or killed while walking in the UK every day.

According to figures provided by Worcestershire County Council, 66 lollipop men and women currently cover 68 crossing locations across the county serving 58 first, middle and primary schools.

Worcester currently has 12 filled positions, down from 16 in 2012-13 meaning four have been cut in the last five years.

Wychavon gained four in 2013-14 to take the total to 17 but has since lost three.

Bromsgrove lost five positions in five years and Malvern lost one.

Wyre Forest now has 17 which means it has lost four over the last five years and Redditch lost a position every two years leaving it with seven.

Jason Wakeford, director of campaigns for Brake, the road safety charity, said: "Four children are seriously hurt or killed while walking in the UK every day.

"School crossing patrols are a vital service, highly valued by communities, ensuring children can cross roads near their schools safely.

"While we appreciate councils have faced significant financial challenges in recent years, the safety of children should not be compromised as a result.

"Brake urges local authorities to retain crossing patrols, and implement wider measures like 20mph speed limits, to help protect lives."

The current hourly rate for lollipop men and women in Worcestershire is £7.89.

As most only work around an hour a day, most are paid around £40 a week.

With 38 weeks in a term, lollipop men and women are paid a yearly wage of around £1,520.

The cost for the current twelve positions in Worcester would be around £18,240.

The county-wide figure for all 66 lollipop men and women is around £100,000 meaning Worcestershire County Council has saved around £22,800 over the last five years.

Worcestershire County Council were not available for comment.