A COMMUNITY-MINDED footballer has given his spare time to help redecorate an old people’s home.

Canvey Island FC striker Danny Hill – who also works as a painter and decorator – is in pre-season training with the Gulls.

But that has not stopped him finding time in to help out at Amelia Blackwell House, in First Avenue, Canvey.

The improvements come after the shoddy condition of Castle Point Council’s sheltered housing was heavily criticised in a 2009 report by the authority's overview and scrutiny committee.

Mr Hill, who netted 18 goals in his first season for the Ryman Premier League outfit last year, has volunteered to give up two working days to spruce up the home’s main communal room.

He plans to give a new lick of paint to the room’s drab walls and skirting boards.

The striker said: “We all live in a small community.

“All the old people who live there are really nice and if I can do a little bit to help, then great.”

Canvey store GMD Mowers, Tools and Hardware has donated £200 of paint and varnish, while the Carpet Shop, in High Street, has donated new carpets.

Canvey councillor Peter May is co-ordinating the work.

He has already overseen a similar project at Sweetbriars Lodge.

Mr May has also arranged for Community Payback workers to help redecorate two more old people’s homes on the island – Willalla House and Beatrice Littlewood.

In the long term, he also hopes to help refurbish council sheltered housing in Benfleet, Thundersley and Hadleigh.

He said: “I have got to say it’s one of the best things I have done since becoming a councillor.

“It’s great to give something back. The people living in these homes are people’s mums and dads and they deserve better.”