AN ORIGINAL Crystal Girl is celebrating her 40th anniversary of organising Christmas parties for disadvantaged and disabled children at Selhurst Park.
Hazel Young, 58, was asked to help out with the annual party in 1973 when she was one of the 'Dolly Girls' at Palace.
She enjoyed the experience, aimed at providing disadvantaged children with a special Christmas treat, so much that she has not missed a single one since.
Hazel, from West Wickham, said: "It is a really nice thing to do because these children are less fortunate and it's very rewarding to see the smiles on their faces.
"The manager and the players always turn up as well to sign autographs and hand out presents."
This year's party, in Speroni's Reatraurant, was attended by a host of first-team players and new manager Tony Pulis.
Hazel added: "That was brilliant of him to turn up. No one expected him to do that soon after getting the job.
"He was lovely with the kids and they were all delighted to meet him."
As a Dolly Girl in the 1970s, Hazel was one of the precursors to the Crystal Girls.
She said: "We didn't do any dancing or anything like that but we used to wait outside the tunnel and greet the players. It was great fun.
"When Malcolm Allison used to come down, he was so brilliant with the children.
"He was a big character but he had a really gentle softer side to him."
Hazel is a Main Stand season ticket holder who has been going to Selhurst Park to watch Crystal Palace since 1969 with her family.
The parties are something of a family affair for Hazel, as her sister Carol Newbery has been involved in 39 and her mother, who died a few years ago, helped with 30 of them.
Her young niece and nephew also attend the parties, which this year included a disco, a magician, food and drink.
Hazel said club stalwart Len Chatterton, who died last year, was also a regular fixture as Leo the Clown.
She added: "Palace have always been good as a community club and hopefully it is something that will just go from strength to strength."
