BURNLEY FC legend Leighton James is putting something back into the community - by giving up his free time to work as a lollipop man.

The wing wizard, now a TV and radio commentator, is working as a crossing patrol officer at Penyrheol Primary School in Gorseinon, near Swansea.

And, after coming through his first few months in the job, he was named Rookie of the Year at the local council's staff awards ceremony.

Mr James said: "I have a few spare hours each day and wanted to use them to help the community I live in.

"I felt I could make things a bit safer for the children."

Locals wondered whether the former footballer would last in his new role, especially through the cold of winter.

But he has worn shorts to work most days for his 10-hour weeks, and even withstood a number of thunderstorms.

Residents said he had proved the doubters wrong and was seen out in all weathers.

During a 19-year playing career, he appeared for nine different clubs and won 54 caps for Wales, scoring 10 goals.

After his retirement in 1989, Swansea-born James moved into coaching, but has since made a name for himself in the media world.

He played 181 games for Burnley, scoring 44 goals, but was sold to Derby County in a record £310,000 deal in 1975.

At Derby, James was leading scorer in the 1976-77 season before moving to QPR for £180,000.

He returned to Burnley a year later for a £165,000 fee, which remained a record at Turf Moor until 1994.

Following the Clarets' relegation in 1980, he moved to Swansea, his hometown club.