A CHILDREN’S nurse has decided to put his metal detecting hobby to good use.

Graeme Stokes was scanning Brighton beach earlier this year, just after the Sussex Homeless Support Bus, parked nearby, caught fire.

He was asked to join in the search for a gold ring belonging to a homeless man which was lost in the blaze. The ring had been given to the man by his late mother.

Graeme, 39, who lives in Kemp Town and works at the Royal Alexandra Children’s hospital, was unable to find the ring.

But the experience made him determined to help the homeless in whatever way he could.

He said: “Ever since that moment, I now walk down the street and feel more of an urge to help the homeless.

“It’s 2019, no one should be on the streets and in those conditions.”

He has decided to make the most of his hobby and run a metal detecting rally to raise money for the Sussex Homeless Support Bus. He said: “I have been into the hobby for a few years new, mainly as a stress relief from work.

“It’s amazing just being out in the countryside, in the fresh air.

“And I just thought it would be a good way to get a bit of support for them.

“I have had a good response so far and the event will be

sponsored by Leisure Promotions, a metal detecting company, who will be lending their detectors.

“Some of the homeless people are hopefully going to come along as well and have a go.”

Metal detecting requires careful planning and permission to avoid problems.

Graeme said some detectorists work alone and seek their own permission from land owners, while others work in clubs and have formal arrangements.

He has managed to find a piece of land near Turners Hill, Crawley, for the rally which will be on July 13.

The exact address will be revealed to those interested nearer the event to avoid the risk of other metal fans claiming the spot that has not yet been investigated.

Graeme said: “I think at the moment we are expecting about 100 people so far which should be good.”

Specialist metal detector magazine Treasure Hunting will also be attending the event with a stall and raffle prizes have been donated to help raise money at the event.

Graeme said: “I was

almost homeless myself at one point.

“I am ex-Royal Navy and coming out of the forces with little support can be really hard.

“A lot of the people on the street are ex-military.

“They are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues.

“I want to do something to help them.”

Graeme has found a fair few treasures in his time since taking up the hobby.

His highlights have been 500 silver coins along with some nobles – gold coins from medieval times.

Others were a few Roman brooches found in Halland, north of Lewes, and a lynch pin from an iron age chariot.

He said if landowners would like to uncover the history of their land they can email him at sussexdetect@gmail.com.