An online petition has been set up in support of a lollipop man banned from high-fiving children as they cross the road.

Around 1,300 people have signed it so far, with the decision described as 'stupid.'

The local council in West Dunbartonshire says 73 year-old Nkosana Mdikane, known locally as 'Scotland's happiest lollipop man' needs to stop it for health and safety reasons.

A statement from the council said:

"All patrollers are instructed when crossing children over a road to remain static with one hand on their stick and the other stretched outwards. This ensures that they can be seen and effectively provides a barrier between school pupils and the traffic."

Locals have said that Mdikane's antics make him more visible to both children and motorists.

The petition to reverse the council's decision can be found here.