A FOOTBALL club will gift a plot of land to a church when it moves to its new home.

Southend United will donate the plot of land to St Mary’s Church, East Street, Prittlewell.

For at least 20 years the club has allowed the church to use a Roots Hall car park on Sundays and for special events.

But with the club’s move to Fossetts Farm edging closer, chairman Ron Martin has offered to hand over land, and construct 31 parking spaces, so the church can continue to benefit.

Mr Martin became aware of the issue earlier this year when attending club legend Ray Davy’s funeral at St Mary’s.

He said: “In recognising Ray’s good deeds The Rev Paul Mackay casually commented, during the service, that ‘I do not know what the church will do when the club moves’. Southend United during my tenure for over 20 years has freely and willingly given over its car park for use by St Mary’s.

“I therefore thought it would be helpful, and by way of a legacy from the club, to gift St Mary’s Church sufficient land to enable, at least the congregation, to park conveniently and safely even after the club has moved.

“Following the approach in February we have now agreed to construct 31 spaces in a secure landscaped compound on land to be owned freehold by St Mary’s, just off Victoria Avenue and almost immediately opposite the church.”

The Rev Paul Mackay said: “As is often said God moves in mysterious ways.

“I was extremely surprised when Ron approached me with his generous gift and thrilled to accept. This will help us immensely now and for many years to come at the church.”