SPEAK to most people who have played football for the Clarets and they will tell you that there is something special about the town and Burnley Football Club.

That is why an amazingly high number of former players still live in and around the town, many having married local girls.

There is also a strong social side among the former stars and key to that is the work done by the group called Ex-Clarets in Sport.

They had their latest meeting on Monday evening when plans for their next big event were discussed, the dinner in May to mark the 30th anniversary of the Division Two title winning campaign.

The committee is made up of ex-players and loyal fans, all determined to keep in touch with the former stars of Turf Moor but raise money for good causes along the way.

They have a constitution that says: "The association has been founded to promote and organise entertainment, recreation and social activities that will help to foster continuing relationships between present and former players, employees and associates of Burnley Football Club..

"It will also seek to provide financial and other support to charitable and other organisations of a sporting nature within the Burnley area."

Founded back in 1996 at the launch of the "Clarets Collection", the association has already given out several thousands of pounds to individuals and clubs who have needed help.

Club statistician Ray Simpson is one of the founder members and he said: "It was formed in place of its predecessor which folded in 1991. A few of us were still around and we had a chat at the book launch and decided it would be good to start it up again."

A supporter for 40 years, he has seen the very best and the very worst of the club's history, a story that has perhaps added to the atmosphere that surrounds the club.

The legendary Tommy Cummings is the president while Veronica Simpson is the secretary, allegedly because she made the mistake of being the only person to have a pen and some paper.

Her contacts list for ex-players is unrivalled and she is responsible for bringing back heroes of yesteryear to perform the half time draw at matches.

One of the ex-players on the committee is the popular Derek Scott who played 356 games in his 11 year stay at Turf Moor.

He was also a founder member and explained: "We thought it would be good to get together people who are interested in the club and try and put something back into the community.

"There is a special relationship between the town and its players and we are trying to make sure that continues." Scott is the main man when it comes to getting a team together for charity matches, events they all enjoy.

Others on the committee include Alison Armfield, a life-long fan, the club's former commercial manager Peter Davis and Alan Beecroft from the Colne Clarets.

Another ex-player is Mick Finn who made just six appearances and jokes: "I only actually played in two of them."

More willing workers for the association are fans like Allen Rycroft, Lionel Snowden, a supporter for nearly half a century, recent recruit John Smith and Trevor Slack who lives in Heald Green but became a fan after seeing Ray Pointer on the from cover of Charles Buchan's Football monthly on September 15, 1959.

The 30th anniversary dinner promises to be another memorable occasion, being held in the James Hargreaves Suite at Turf Moor on May 10. Tickets cost £25 with a table of ten for £250 and there will be entertainment, dinner and the chance to mingle with legends from the club's past.

Anyone interested can call Veronica on 01282 436869 in the evenings.