"IT IS A wonderful thing to help others, but for me, I find it is just part of my life."

This is the selfless message from Phil Hayes, a 74-year-old Langley Green man who has dedicated his life to helping others.

He said: "I think it is good to give something back but I don't consider myself a champion, I just help where I can.

"I have worked with all different types of people all my life."

Mr Hayes has always been a busy man, and that hasn't stopped in his retirement.

Once a professional footballer for Millwall, Mr Hayes now spends his days making sure children get to and from school safely and helping people with learning and physical disabilities.

The 74-year-old of Swallow Road, Langley Green, said: "I like to fill my days and since retiring I have definitely done that.

"I have been a lollipop man for the past 18 months or so, and I help the children on Ifield Road.

"I really enjoy it. I know most of the children on a first name basis, as obviously I get to see them every morning.

"I like it because I am probably the first face they see after their parents. We have a chuckle and a joke and I enjoy it."

But this is not all, Mr Hayes also dedicates his time to the Crawley Gateway Club, a specialist centre that caters for people with learning and physical disabilities between the ages of 16 and 60.

He said: "We run every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm in K2. I am one of the volunteer organisers, so there is a lot of things to do.

"Basically what we do is we try to organise activities, it could be board games, drawing or sport and physical exercise. But we are affiliated with the national charity Mencap.

"I find it really rewarding and fulfilling.

"I have always been involved in groups. After I played for Millwall I worked for Crawley Borough Council in the play service organising all the adventure playgrounds in the town.

"I have also been a football coach, helped out with netball clubs and even table tennis clubs. Anything that anyone needs help with really."

DO YOU know someone who constantly puts others before themselves or a group which tries to make a difference in Crawley?

Nominate your Crawley Champions by emailing editor@crawleynews.co.uk or by phoning 01293 597600.