The group, which is part of the International Association of Lions Clubs, stands by its motto We Serve and to date members have helped hundreds of causes, on a local, national and international level.

The first club in England was formed in 1950 in London shortly after the war.

The Queen Mother is acknowledged as the catalyst for the introduction of Lions Club into this country, when, during the war, many Canadian servicemen came to the city and were appalled by the way the children of the Blitz lived.

Some were members of the Lions Club and they decided they wanted to help.

John Wilkinson, publicity officer for the south east district Lions, said, "They came to this country and saw the blitzing that London had been through and saw the people and children suffering and said 'we would like to help you'."

The group then gave money to the cause and were asked in return how they could be repaid and the organisation asked for a similar group to be set up in England.

The local club is part of the world's largest service organisation, Lions International, with more than 1.35 million members serving in more than 197 countries.

Doug Janes, President of NPS Lions, said, "I have been a member for 21 years now. This isn't my first club, I started off in the north-east. I joined in 1986 and I was a president up there as well. I came to Seaford in 1996 and joined the club down here.

"I wanted to give something back to the community. I'm aware that I was very lucky in terms of having a good job, my lifestyle and my family, and I would like to give something back to people who haven't quite had the same luck as I had. The other thing I like about the Lions is that we raise money locally in the main and spend it locally in the main.
"This is a club that doesn't just give cheques but actively provides a service too."

Although the majority of members are men, women are also welcome to join the Seaford group and currently there are two female members.

There are other groups linked to the NPS Lions, including the Seahaven Lioness Club which is its sister group and the Leo group, which is for under 25s, with the nearest branch situated in Kent.

Miriam Hanna, publicity officer for NPS Lions, is a member of the local branch as is her husband Bob. She said, "I like the idea of helping people.

"I thought I was lucky being in the position I was in and I think that's what motivated me as a member."

The current age group of members at NPS Lions is 45 to 86 and one of the members has been there since the beginning.

But the club is always seeking new faces and is keen for younger people to get involved.

Mr Janes added, "I have found it to be busy and hectic but great fun so far.

"We do have an aging profile and we are trying to change that."

Fellow ember John Wilkinson added, "We have a mix of people from all walks of life and economic classes of people. If someone is redundant and has no means of money it doesn't stop them from becoming a member, all they have to do is say, 'I want to serve my community'."

So far this year the group has helped a mixture of individuals and groups.

Thousands of pounds were donated to the First Responder team in Seaford and Peacehaven to help pay for its defibrillator kit and this was put into use when the club's own treasurer suffered a heart attack.

On an international level the charity is sponsoring a Sri Lankan family after they suffered in the tsunami. The family of four children and their mother is given a donation of £500 each year by NPS Lions.

The money will be sent on an annual basis until the children are grown up and able to work.

The group, which meets once a month to discuss ideas, is kept busy fundraising throughout the year to help good causes.

An Easter raffle, half-marathon and Donkey Derby in Seaford are all part of the fun and during the festive season local residents will get the chance to meet Father Christmas as he visits the town in his sleigh.

The club also organises the Brian Smith Awards which sees young people in the area being recognised for overcoming adversity.

Despite all the hard work members find time to enjoy a number of well-deserved social events during the year.

If anyone would like any more information on the NPS Lions they can call 892594 or visit the website at www.clem.collins.btinternet.co.uk