The youth club he established in his home village of West Lavington meant more to actor George Baker than his entire theatrical career, his daughter said after unveiling a plaque in his name on Saturday.

Sarah Pearson, one of Mr Baker’s five daughters, carried out the ceremony with Mr Baker’s younger brother Patrick, who made the three-hour road journey from the Midlands for the occasion.

The club’s management committee decided to name the centre next to the village hall, for which Mr Baker had personally raised more than £100,000 to build, in his honour and invited members of his family to the unveiling.

Mrs Pearson, who lives in Marston, near Devizes, said: “Dad would have been very honoured and deeply touched. This club was the most important thing in his life – more important even that his theatrical career.”

Mr Baker accepted an MBE for his work in establishing the club, although he had previously turned down honours for his charitable and theatrical work, because, he said, it had meant so much to him.

Eric Freeman, club chairman, said: “Twenty years ago, George felt something needed to be done for the young people of this village and so he set up this club.

“It met in the pub to begin with and then the village hall before he raised £100,000 to erect this building.

“We are very grateful for all he’s done for us.”

Club treasurer Lyn Dyson said: “He was such a remarkable man. Many would have been satisfied raising the money and then taking a back seat, but he was here, talking to the young people and finding out what they still needed.”

Mr Baker, who was best known for his role as Inspector Wexford in The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, died in October last year after suffering two strokes.

Mrs Pearson attended with her husband, Mark, and daughter Rebecca, 11, one of Mr Baker’s grandchildren.

Also present was another grandchild, Sam Drewe, son of Mr Baker’s eldest daughter, Candy, who lives in New South Wales, Australia.

Patrick Baker said: “This is a wonderful occasion. The youth club was so important to George and it is a joy to see his name forever connected with it.”