Caring George Commons gave up the chance of a holiday so fellow pensioners could enjoy a game of snooker.

George, 84, and wife Elsie, 82, were due to enjoy a week-long break on the Isle of Wight.

Before the couple left, George had applied to the Argus Appeal for money to buy a new snooker table for the sheltered housing flats in which he lives in Sloane Court, Park Street, Brighton.

He was still awaiting a decision from the appeal's trustees when he spotted a £100 second-hand snooker table in the Argus and snapped it up - using his own money and scrapping his holiday.

When the Argus heard of George's kindness, we agreed to reimburse him the amount he paid.

Now the table is being used regularly by elderly residents at the flats which George and his wife share with 44 other pensioners.

George, who served in the Royal Engineers as an instructor, said: "Being an ex-Army man, you help one another and muck in. That's the only way. There's no point in going through life selfish. I prefer to help other people."

Scheme manager Sue Marshall said: "George is a very caring person and always looks out for others. He takes it upon himself to look after security around the flats."

The Argus Appeal, supported by Legal and General, relaunches for its 44th year on Saturday.