Most people know someone who is always moaning and groaning, but pub landlord Chris Shanahan knows more than most - 1,916 of them, in fact.

All have signed up as members of the Miserable Old Buggers Club, which has become a way of life at his pub, The Sportsman in Amberley, near Arundel.

But the club is about much more than just whinging into a pint. Chris and his regulars have raised thousands of pounds to help poor and sick street children in Romania.

The club was formed six years ago and members pay £2.50 a year for the right to be a Miserable Old Bugger. Many have paid £25 to be miserable for life.

Chris said: "It is all a bit tongue in cheek but it has helped bring in a lot of money. The club has raised at least £7,500 a year since we began."

Events run by the club, which has its own committee, include quiz nights and outings to the Derby.

Chris said: "We also go on pub crawls when we go out and moan about other people's food, drink and their prices."

Chris has put up giant photographs of customers on the pub's sign in return for a fee. Some customers, who unknowingly found themselves featured, paid a second fee to have their mugshots removed.

Chris says there are Miserable Old Buggers throughout the world, with members in America, Canada and Malaysia.

He said: "People have signed up when they really only popped in for a pint and others have bought membership for a relative."

Chris spearheads an annual convoy, which delivers humanitarian aid to a hospital in a poverty- stricken part of Romania.

He said: "I do get a bit of flak from people, particularly over illegal immigrants trying to come here from Romania and Kosovo and so on.

"But I think the West has to look at itself and try to make their life better because I think many people would want to stay in their own country."

The moaners are hoping big-hearted readers will give them cause to raise a smile.

The next big event for the club is an auction of unwanted Christmas presents in March.

Chris said: "If any of your readers have something they would like to donate I would love them to get in touch."

Chris can be contacted on 01798 831787.