'Volunteering at football club keeps us going'

Volunteer John Buck is known as Mr Burgess Hill and even has a hospitality suite named after him

Volunteers at a Sussex football club - who include former players and fans - say giving up their time after the weekend fixture gives them something to look forward to.

The volunteers at Burgess Hill Town Football Club meet every Monday at the club's Leylands Park ground to clear up and to do any DIY jobs that are needed.

Former player John Buck, 92, who was born and raised in Burgess Hill, is the longest serving member of what the volunteers call 'The Monday Club'.

Mr Buck, who has been a player or volunteer at the football club for 75 years, said: "I love Burgess Hill. I've got a lovely family with me but it's the extra bit that keeps me going."

Mr Buck visits the ground every day just to make sure all is well.

He added: "I don't want to go round to my children's all day because they would get fed up with me so you come down here.

"There's things to do. You meet people, it's lovely."

John Buck, back row, second from right, was a player at Burgess Hill Town Football Club in 1957

There is never any shortage of jobs to do at the volunteers' weekly gathering.

The team try to re-use and recycle as much as possible.

Vice-chairman John Goss collects every single empty drinks can after a home game and recycles them in exchange for money for charity.

Known as 'John the Can Man', he has raised thousands of pounds and says it is good for his own physical and mental health.

"It keeps me busy," he said.

"Keeps me active, and that's what it's all about - doing something."

John Goss - aka John the Can Man - has raised thousands for charity

Other volunteers at Burgess Hill Town echo John's feelings.

Tim Spencer has been supporting the club since the mid 1980s and held the position of Club Secretary for almost 25 years.

"It's a godsend having this, being retired now," he said.

"Because I'm not sitting in front of the TV all the time, or just hanging around at home. I've actually got something to get up for. I love it."

The mid-morning tea break at The Monday Club is just as important as getting odd jobs done

The job of co-ordinating the volunteers is down to former player Tommy Manneh.

He scored a famous goal for Burgess Hill against Crawley Town in the FA Cup in 1981 and now gives up his time to help out at the club.

Mr Manneh said it's a lifeline for many, adding: "It's the camaraderie that they have with each other.

"Some of them are aged, and some of them suffer from different illnesses and stuff like that.

"And it's about what support we can give them to know that even if you don't do anything on that day, just come down and have a cup of coffee."

Volunteer Tommy Manneh scored a famous goal in the FA Cup in 1981

The Hillians are currently in the 7th tier of the English football pyramid, the Isthmian League South East, and are pushing for promotion this season.

Founded in 1882 the club is one of the oldest in the country.

Volunteers at Burgess Hill Town hope that today's players will go on to become the volunteers of the future and give back to the club in the same way.