THEY may have been caught up in capers like interrogating captured Germans in Dad's Army and in reality some units of the home guard spent much of their time playing cards.

The south east of England, including Sussex, was the heartland of the Home Guard during the Second World War and those who lived through the era have spoken out ahead of the release of the new Dad's Army film on Friday.

They may have enjoyed a little bit of banter in real life but the real world was not quite so full of larks as the stories of Captain Mainwaring, Private Pike and co.

Adrian Montford served for a year in the Home Guard as a 17-year-old before being conscripted into the Army.

The 92-year-old, of Brighton, said: "It was dull compared with Dad's Army. It would have been a lot more fun if it had been more similar.

"We spent most of the time playing four-card brag."

Set up to repel a Nazi invasion from the Channel, the Home Guard was disbanded after the war but immortalised in the ensuing BBC series.

Denise Bennett, who lives in Portslade, was a young girl during the war.

The 86-year-old said: "A lot of them were very efficient but there were some units similar to Dad's Army.

"It didn't matter what age you were. You wanted to do your bit."

One of Sussex's biggest Dad's Army fans has been given permission to speak, having beaten 400 other fanatics to win tickets to the premiere of the new feature film.

Jack Newton has followed the antics of Walmington-on-Sea's preposterous platoon since he was a boy.

The 26-year-old said: "Whenever it's on I watch it. I'm quite sad in my young age that I like it - I don't mind owning up to being a fan."

Mr Newton, who lives in Carden Avenue, Brighton, has amassed Dad's Army memorabilia including six autographs, part of an episode script and models such as Corporal Jones's butcher van.

On Tuesday January 26 he was invited to a Dad's Army red carpet event in London's Leicester Square.

The primary school teacher said: "When people found out I went to the premiere, a few started coming out of the woodwork and admitting they like Dad's Army. A lot of my friends can see the comedy value in it."

Mr Newton's favourite episode is called The Day The Balloon Went Up, in which a barrage balloon escapes from a field and Captain Mainwaring's unit have to get it back.

His favourite character is Sergeant Wilson, played by John Le Mesurier. "I like his mannerisms," Mr Newton said. "He's quite suave, care-free and relaxed, and doesn't take life too seriously."

The self-confessed anorak, who also plays rugby, added: "After a rough game I say I'm going home for a takeaway and Dad's Army."

See From The Editor's Chair page 11 and read more about the Home Guard in Life Argus tomorrow.