THE community of Thruxton came together earlier this month to remember a much-loved local.

Over a hundred adults and children descended onto the field for a family games night in honour Tony Hemsley.

Many from Andover will remember Tony from his days’ as owner of Beady Baba’s in Black Swan Yard.

Teams of teenagers and adults competed at rounders, football, cricket and sprinting whilst the younger ones enjoyed egg and spoon races, sack racing, rounders and running.

Competition was fierce but good natured, and fittingly The Hemsley Harriers managed by Tony’s widow Sheila and captained by son Adam won the main event and scooped The Tony Hemsley Memorial Cup.

Scarlett Starlets’ captained by Tony’s granddaughter scooped the children’s trophy which was named ‘The Happy Memories Kids Cup’.

The main goal of the evening was to celebrate Tony’s life and for friends and family to have a fun filled evening, that goal was surpassed and the other goal of the evening was to raise awareness and money for Bowel Cancer UK.

Along with profits from the bar the fund raising currently stands at £4,000, which will be donated to the charity.

Organiser Rick Smart said: “Tony used to run a youth club and he loved cricket so we thought a family games night would be a fitting tribute.

"I have been blown away by peoples generosity both in terms of the time they gave up and the money they donated.

"The community spirit made for a truly memorable event which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. And to raise so much money is the icing on the cake.

"We will be holding the event annually and hope to have even more teams next year competing for The Tony Hemsley Memorial Cup.”