A memorial garden created in memory of a young footballer has been officially opened by his former club.  Timmy Spooner was 21 when he died suddenly following a cup final match at Blisworth Football Club in 2008, after suffering chest pains during the game. 

As a tribute to the player, the club officially opened a new patio and barbecued  area almost exactly a year after his death, on cup final day at the end of May. 

The Chronicle & Echo reported earlier in the year that about £700 worth of paving tiles were stolen from the ground, but the project was rescued when Bonham's Funeral Services stepped in and presented the club with £400. 

Former chairman of the club, Jon Pender, said the new space would provide a fitting tribute to Mr Spooner.  He said: "We had a brilliant response.  I would say about 300 people turned out for the match and the opening of the memorial. 

"Tim was such a lovely guy and we really wanted to have somewhere for people to go and remember him.  We will be using it regularly for barbecues and events.  It's a really nice space. 

"We are very grateful to Bonham's for helping us out the extra £400. 

"Mr Spooner, who was a civil engineer and a graduate of Northampton College, was believed to have suffered from an undiagnosed heat condition which led to his death. 

His family launched the Tim Spooner Memorial Fund soon afterwards and also campaigned for young people to undergo heart scans. 

As well as creating the garden, Blisworth FC launched an annual memorial match in June last year.