Villagers who raised more than £16,000 towards a community space have officially opened their new garden, dedicating it to the memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The three villages of Fyfield, Kimpton and Thruxton collectively raised thousands in order to provide a new hub for the area, featuring new play equipment, outdoor seating and a garden on their shared sports field.

Community leader, and chairman of The Three Villages Sports Trust, Richard Smart said: “This has been a three villages project and that’s the greatest thing.”

The idea of a community space for the three villages has been in the works for some time, with plans for a new play area, small orchard and a garden among the projects planned by the trust.

Fundraising has taken a variety of forms, including quizzes, meat draws, and an ultramarathon, where soldier Neil Coleman ran the equivalent of four marathons over a weekend and raised over £3,200.

Together with the other funds already collected, the village had over £16,000 to use towards the project, which Richard called “an incredible amount”. Following Neil turning down the offer of having the garden named after himself, and the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore, the trust decided to dedicate the garden in memory of the centenarian fundraiser.

Richard said: “He’s an army guy as well and an inspiration for a nation. Sadly, he passed away this year but by God he left a legacy.

“He’s inspired people all over the country, it makes you cry some of the stuff people have done.

“It just goes to show if you’re determined you can achieve great things.”

He paid tribute to villagers from Fyfield, Kimpton and Thruxton, saying: “We’re extremely grateful, it just showed people in the village can get up and do things. There must have had hundreds of people donating time and money.

“I truly believe we have a three villages identity. Everyone is pulling together.”

Following Richard’s speech, those gathered listened to Captain Tom’s cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone with Michael, before the national anthem was played. Neil then unveiled a sign for the garden from underneath a Yorkshire flag and cricket bat, paying tribute to Captain Tom’s home.

A raffle and barbeque were then held, with the announcement that £300 from the funds would be donated to the newly-established Captain Tom Foundation.