The youth club set up by the late actor George Baker is to be named in his honour.

Mr Baker’s daughter, Sarah Pearson, who lives locally, is to unveil the plaque at the youth club building in West Lavington at noon on Saturday, after which it will be known as the George Baker Youth Centre.

A tree will also be planted in Mr Baker’s memory.

Other members of Mr Baker’s family have been invited and it is hoped they will be able to attend.

Mr Baker founded the club after seeing local youngsters huddled in the village’s bus shelter in freezing temperatures. Initially, it met in the skittle alley at the Churchill Arms but, through Mr Baker’s fundraising efforts, a purpose-built club was built next to the village hall.

He was made MBE for his work for the club in 2007.

The idea for the name change came up at shortly after Mr Baker’s death. Eric Freeman, chairman of the youth club, said: “Several of the committee members almost instantaneously said the same thing, that we should rename the youth centre in George’s honour.

“We thought it was a very appropriate time to do it. He has done so much in 20 years for the club.

“I don’t think people always know how much is involved in these things.

“George was a very busy person, but he gave the club lots of time, going to committee meetings until his health was not so good.”

Mr Baker had personally raised thousands of pounds for the youth club through various events, including concerts involving stars from West End musicals to selling his own antiques on the TV show Celebrity Cash in the Attic.

Even after retiring as chairman, Mr Baker, an internationally renowned star of stage, screen and TV, remained president of the organisation until his death, at the age of 80, last October.

He and his late wife, Louie Ramsay, lived at Stibb Hill in West Lavington and later in The Clays, Market Lavington, before ill health forced them to move to the Market Lavington care home.

Mr Baker starred in films, theatre and TV shows throughout four decades, appearing firstly in the 1954 film The Dam Busters.

He is probably best known for his role as Chief Inspector Reg Wexford in the televised Ruth Rendell Mysteries.