The Dean Gregory (Gregsy) Memorial Stand was officially opened this week in honour of a popular sportsman and in readiness for the fun open day in his memory in Shepton Mallet this Sunday.

Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eavis said he was honoured to be invited to perform the official opening ceremony at the Shepton Mallet Football Club this week.

Friends, family and fellow club members raised thousand of pounds to erect the stand in memory of the much-loved sportsman, who lost his long, brave battle against cancer last year.

But they have been saddened that already the new stadium – which has only been in place two months – has been vandalised before it was officially declared open.

Sometime during a match over the last four weeks, a spectator in the back row of the 42-seater stand deliberately forced and broke the seat in front of them and bent the supporting bar holding it in place.

Football club chairman John Hugill said he was shocked and saddened when the damage was discovered, and is now waiting for a welding fabricator to come and repair it.

"I was bitterly disappointed that anyone could do such a thing," said Mr Hugill.

"This stand is in memory of a very popular player and member of our club – a brave young man who passed away when he was just 37.

"It must have happened during a match – the club is secure at other times. I just hope it was not one of our supporters, as I don't want whoever did this back if they cannot show any respect."

But he said he would not let it spoil the open day on Sunday when hundreds of Dean's family and friends are expected to enjoy a charity football match and skittles tournament in his memory.

Dean's father Pete is presenting the club with a special silver memorial trophy in memory of his son which will now be played for every year, with all money raised from the annual event going to cancer research and the Dorothy House Hospice – as Dean had wished.

Dean's mum Pam said:"We hope all of Dean's many friends will come along and enjoy the open day on Sunday in his memory."

See letters: Page 26.