More than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling on the ban on 'Scotland's happiest lollipop man' from giving high 5s to be overturned.

Nkosana Mdikane helps children from Aitkenbar and St Peter’s primary schools cross road safely on Whiteford Avenue to get to and from school.

He was dubbed Scotland's happiest lollipop man due to his happy manner and dancing while at work.

A petition was set up yesterday after parents found out West Dunbartonshire Council had told the 74 year-old to stop giving kids high 5s as they cross the road due to health and safety concerns.

In less than 24 hours more than 1,000 people have signed and a Save The High 5s page on Facebook has gained more than 2,500 likes.

Many people in the area are changing their profile pictures on social media to a picture of Nkosana in a show of support.

Since the story was revealed in the Reporter council ban has sparked a wave of criticism and some parents said their kids were upset because Nkosana can't high 5 then anymore.

Evelyn Shaw posed online: "This is terrible that man single handedly cheers up most, if not all, of the kids not to mention the parents and passersby every day, yet again WDC have done their best NOT to represent the good folk in this area."

Gary Miller wrote: " When i take my little girl to school i have to go the long way to pass Nkosana just so she gets a high five or a come onnnnnnnnnn. This is a bad decision."

Sam Paton said: "This is complete and utter nonsense. A high five from the lollipop man/woman encourages the kids to use them. WDC needs a course in customer service skills!"

Alyson Dufton said: "My 18 month old keeps putting his hand out his buggy to get a high 5 and the lollipop man has to say no to him."

A council spokesperson 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."