Doncaster lollipop lady is turned into action figure

UNISON, the UK’s largest union, aims to show the importance of more than a million unsung heroes employed in local government – including a crossing warden, refuse collector, care worker and librarian – who keep their communities running.

The union has immortalised these neighbourhood stars as realistic action figurines, recognising them for their tireless work delivering the local services day after day that many either take for granted or fail to notice.

The superhero-style figures have been created with advanced 3D-printing technology in the exact likeness of four specially chosen council workers from England and Wales.

The collectibles come complete with fully moveable limbs, dressed in their work outfits and feature accessories that mimic the real-life tools of their trade.

Crossing warden Sandy Cox has been recreated dressed in her fluorescent uniform, complete with a familiar ‘lollipop’ stop sign.

She said: “It’s absolutely amazing to see myself in action hero form. The figures are so lifelike.

“Workers like me love what we do, and I’m so proud to make an important contribution to the community.”

Each limited-edition action figure is housed in an individually designed box featuring comic artwork bringing the character to life, based on the duties of each of the workers.

Sandy, aged 56, who lives near Doncaster and has been a crossing warden for Rotherham Council for nine years.

She has also been a dinner lady at Maltby Lilly Hall Academy for twelve years.

She said: “I don’t think people fully realise all the valuable work councils do. It’s like when you see swans gliding along but underneath there’s furious paddling going on to keep things moving.

“I really love my job and I’m very proud to do what I do. I’m so passionate about road safety and I think there’s a lack of understanding about it for many younger people. There’s no longer a focus on the green cross code, which is why we’re so essential.

“And I’m not just helping the children across the road. I’m also helping the parents, the carers and the grandparents. I can’t stop looking at my action figure. It’s amazing. It’s like I’ve been turned into a Madame Tussauds waxwork and shrunk!”

Designed by renowned Marvel artist Will Sliney, the packaging and an accompanying cartoon strip detail how each of the workers – like so many council staff – are everyday heroes in their local authority areas.

UNISON hopes the creation of the action figures will encourage the public to think more about the vital role council workers play in their local communities and appreciate them more.

UNISON regional secretary Karen Loughlin said: “Council staff are incredibly passionate about their roles at the heart of communities. But all too often their contributions are overlooked, which can be frustrating for key workers who just want to do all they can to help others.

“For many local authority employees, demands are increasing while council budgets are squeezed. Turning them into action heroes is a great way to put the focus on their superhuman efforts.”