Community prepares for historic Wembley match

Owner of the Tilgate Bakery and Crawley Town fan Jane Kirkham has been decorating cakes in a red and white theme

The community of Crawley has been preparing for the town football team's play-off final on Sunday.

The Red Devils will play Crewe Alexandra at Wembley on Sunday in the League 2 play-off final.

It will be the first time that Crawley has played at Wembley, with over 16,000 people planning on travelling to London to support the team.

Supporter and baker Jane Kirkham, who has been decorating her cakes in the colours of Crawley Town, said there's a "real buzz" in the town.

Reggie the Red visited Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Primary School

Crawley residents have been getting creative as they aim to inspire the club to get back to League 1 for the first time since the 2014/15 season.

Ms Kirkham, who co-owns Tilgate Bakery, told BBC Radio Sussex: "Customers have been coming all week talking about the big game. There's a real buzz about the town. We've left no stone unturned when it comes to the decorations!"

The co-owner says people are buying the cakes to help the bakery and feel part of the community

Paul Chesworth, co-owner of the bakery, said they'd decorated the cakes "as a way of backing the team".

He added, "People walk in and identify the cakes and want to be part of it so they buy a cake to help us and feel part of the community.

"Everyone in Crawley wants to be part of this, we are all really excited."

Broadcaster Dan Walker grew up in Crawley

Broadcaster Dan Walker grew up in Crawley and has always followed the team's progress.

He said: "I think it will be amazing. I went to the fifth round FA Cup game at Old Trafford and that was brilliant but this is significant.

"Our first trip to Wembley, nobody gave us a chance at the start of the season but this season has been fantastic to watch. Who knows what could happen, but bring on League 1!"

Ron Spraget, 92, will be heading to Wembley on Sunday

Ron Spraget thought that his highlight of years supporting Crawley would be the FA Cup match away at Manchester United in 2011.

He never dreamed that he would have the chance to watch them at Wembley.

The 92-year-old said: "I'm sure the team will do their best. On the day, win or lose, we will thoroughly enjoy the day."

Teaching assistant Sarah Peppard has been getting in the spirit

Lisa Bullett, from Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Primary School, added: "The buzz at the school has been off the charts this week. The whole school wore red on Friday and we did lots of activities to celebrate.

"It is a time for the town to be proud. We work closely with the community and the club and did during the pandemic too. Some of the players have been and the mascot [Reggie the Red] also stopped off on his way to Wembley."

Live match commentary will be available for the game on BBC Radio Sussex.