CHILDREN feel so strongly about the loss of their lollipop patrol they are taking it to the top.

Pupils aged 10 and 11 from class 6P at Holy Trinity School in Weymouth have written letters to Prime Minister David Cameron asking him to act over Dorset County Council proposals to axe school crossing patrols.

The move would save £200,000 and cost 65 jobs.

The letters, which ask the premier to consider the safety of children, are the latest development in a campaign which is quickly gathering support from parents, teachers and schools across Dorset.

Names are being added to petitions while letters are being written to councillors and politicians, in a bid to influence a county council meeting on February 17 when a final decision will be made.

Holy Trinity 6P teacher Emma Starling said the 27 children in her class were prompted to write letters after hearing a petition was going round.

She said: “All the class felt strongly about the crossing patrol issue and decided to write letters. I think they have conveyed their feelings very well and written some brilliant letters.

“We’ve been doing some work on space travel and the children were very concerned to hear when the country is in so much debt the UK space budget is £200million a year.”

Miss Starling added: “The children said they were old enough to cross the road by themselves but wanted to write letters on behalf of younger children.

“We’ve been reading a story about a man who has a heart of stone and changes and the children think that could happen with David Cameron.”

The letters will be sent to 10 Downing Street along with a covering letter from school governor Helen Toft, who is leading a campaign to save school crossing patrols from the axe.

Mrs Toft said she was delighted with the children’s letters.

“They seem to believe that if you have a serious problem which needs sorting out, you write to the man at the top so that’s what they’ve done,” she said.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax commended the actions of class 6P.

He said: “I have strong views about the future of this country which is why I got into politics. I particularly welcome strong views from young people so good on them.”

Mr Drax added: “I’m uneasy about news that school crossing patrols may go because they’re an integral part of the community and they provide a safe crossing point for children.”

The MP said he will be writing to Dorset County Council with his concerns.

A spokesman for Number 10 Downing Street said the office would not be making a comment until the letters are received.