Not many leading football stars are known for their public generosity. But then, there aren't many like John Robinson.

The Charlton Athletic and Wales international winger came to the rescue of two stranded fans from Sussex.

Dave Shearing and Dave Skiggs were stranded miles from home after watching Charlton triumph 1-0 against Derby.

The radiator on Mr Shearing's BMW 750 Alpina had overheated, belching steam and forcing the car into a garage in Shooters Hill, south-east London, more than 60 miles from home in Eastbourne.

Knowing that John lived within 15 miles of them at Magham Down, near Hailsham, Mr Shearing rang his friend Terry Grant back in Sussex and jokingly asked if they could cadge a lift back with the soccer star.

Mr Grant knows John and managed to get hold of him on his mobile.

The stranded duo were stunned when John pulled up alongside them and told them to hop into his Mercedes.

Mr Shearing, 42, owner of Building and Window Designs in Seaside, Eastbourne, said: "We weren't expecting that at all.

"John was an absolute gem, particularly after he had just played a match.

"There were no airs or graces about him. He wasn't bragging about how much money he earned.

"We spoke about his career, our jobs and just life in general."

John, who runs soccer schools across Sussex, dropped the pair off at Magham Down and Mr Grant ferried them back home safely to Eastbourne.

Mr Shearing, manager of Shinewater Football Club in Eastbourne, said he and John had spoken several times since, adding: "He's a true gentleman.

"So many footballers today are criticised for bad behaviour that many people forget they are still some genuine people in the sport. John's definitely one of them."

Modest John, a former Albion player who has lived in Sussex all his life, said: "I just thought, why not? I would like to think that had I been in the same situation, they would have done the same thing.

"A lot of people think of footballers as being big-headed but I would like to think that I'm not.

"For them to come up to The Valley on a cold Tuesday night, I think the least we can do is ensure they get home safely. I was more than happy to oblige."