Bob's car was parked not far from the pedestrian crossing he patrols every school day, and he was getting something out of it when the lightning struck.

"I didn't get a shock, but sparks went all over me," he said. "I'm not sure whether I remembered to look left and right when I crossed the road, but I was inside over there in about 10 seconds!"

For children and parents who come to Sacred Heart Central School from homes north of Parker Street, Bob's traffic control is safer and friendlier than a set of lights.

And for daily commuters he's a familiar figure who never fails to give a friendly wave, except when he's holding up traffic to let his "flock" cross the road.

Turning 70 next week, he's been the lollipop man at Sacred Heart for 12 years.

A part-time employee of Roads and Maritime Services, he earns just enough to top up his pension without losing any of it.

He patrols the school crossing for two hours a day - from 8.15-9.15am and 2.50-3.50pm.

From Newcastle originally, he came to Cootamundra in 1995 working in the railway ticket office.

The best thing to happen in his 12 years on the job, he says, are the flashing lights drawing drivers' attention to the 40 km/h speed limit in the school vicinity.

"I enjoy the kids, never have any hassles with them, and most of the drivers are good, but you get the occasional one that doesn't realise where they are."