A LOLLIPOP man in Dolgellau who has been brightening the walks of pedestrians of all ages for years has spoken about why it is more important than ever to make people smile.

Alan Thomas has been helping people cross the road safely in the town for eight years. For the last three years around the Christmas period, he wraps lights around his lollipop and wears one of several festive hats to brighten the day of people in the town.

Alan said: “I’ve got a few different hats, including an elf hat, a Santa Claus hat and a turkey leg hat.

“It’s been a bad year for the children. They have all been stuck indoors and haven’t been able to enjoy the freedoms of life.

“I had the turkey legs hat on one day last week and so many people going past, not just the children, were laughing and smiling. These have been in short supply this year.”

Alan, who also works in the Ship hotel in Dolgellau, added: “I’ve had a difficult life with illness affecting me and my family. I thought it was time to give back to the community.

“People who pass by put their thumbs up to me and wave, they really enjoy it. It’s been a difficult year and it’s so nice to see laughter and smiles.

“Afterall, you can’t put a price on a smile.”