A community has pulled together to build a pavilion in memory of a 10-year-old boy who collapsed during a school lunch break.

The pavilion, named after young footballer Joel Beckman, was opened on September 12 at the playing field in Breech Lane, Walton-on-the-Hill.

Joel had a ruptured brain aneurysm at Walton-on-the-Hill Primary School on January 20, 2009 and his life support was turned off three days later.

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Joel's father David Beckman opens the pavilion

Walton Warriors Football Club and friends of the school fundraised just under £40,000 to pay for the pavilion and many of the dads pitched in to help build it.

His father David Beckman, who opened the pavilion, said they felt honoured that it had been named after their son.

Mr Beckman said: "We are incredibly proud and honoured. It’s absolutely amazing. It was brilliant to go back there and for people to remember us and Joel."

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Joel at school

The pavilion has toilets, changing rooms and a large classroom, which will be used by the primary school for out-of-school activities.

Walton Warriors will use the pavilion, residents can hire the building for parties and Mr Beckman said they may use it to hold their annual get-together for those who knew Joel at school.

Mr Beckman said: "It’s fantastic for community, they have a really amazing building there."

Mr Beckman, former chairman of the Walton Warriors, ran the football team that his son played for up to the age of 10 before he progressed to the Epsom Eagles.

He said: "I became a parent on the touch line for nine months. Joel was on one hand very shy and on the other hand quite determined. He was very loyal to his friends and he got on with everybody."

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Steve Hall, chairman of Walton Warriors, who helped to keep the project on track with Brian Dees, said: "With the community spirit and people offering things for nothing and chipping in, the building we have got for the budget is incredible."

Gary Tutton, who helped out, said: "I think this is going to be special because when you’re in that situation, it’s a memory you don’t want to lose.

"It’s taken a year to build the pavilion with dads chipping in and everybody making it as cheap as possible."