YOU would struggle to find a student from Edge Hill State School in the past 20 years who doesn't know Rheuben Chapman.

The 82-year-old has become an institution at the school crossing since picking up his first stop sign in 1992.

So much so that on Friday he was honoured with a Department of Transport and Main Roads award at a special assembly at the school.

"I was surprised when they told me (about the award)," he said. "I have girls coming up to me who are now married and saying 'are you still here? Remember me?' and I have to say 'no I don't', because there's been so many kids over the years.

"(But) I get on well with all the kids and parents. They bring me birthday presents, even the parents."

And despite two decades of safely escorting hundreds of students across the road each day, Mr Chapman said there were no plans for retirement any time soon.

"(I'll do it) until I cark it I guess," he said. "It's better than being at home watching TV."

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