"Find a penny, pick it up, all the day you'll have good luck," goes the old saying ... and a retired school teacher from Sussex has certainly taken this lesson to heart.

Since 1985, the year Michael Leppard started keeping exact records of his street treasure, he has amassed £460.

Michael Leppard: started his unusual hobby in an effort to help his local museum (Dur: 58")

Picking up spare change dropped by other people is a hobby for Mr Leppard, who donates all the proceeds to the East Grinstead Town Museum.

He started one morning on his way to work, to keep his 25-minute walk interesting.

"I don't bump into people or lamp posts ... and I don't go out for walks just to look for money," said Mr Leppard.

Last year he collected £85.19, his largest amount in one year so far. Mr Leppard thinks there is a lesson in his hobby for everyone.

"I really do have a good day after I find a penny," he said.

Apparently winter is the best season for would-be treasure seekers, because people have numb hands and accidentally drop coins more often.
 

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