THE US benefactor of a Buckfastleigh project received a warm welcome from the town last weekend.

American Alan Tucker was instrumental in inspiring and funding the Orchard Millennium Green’s performance canopy, which is named in memory of his family who were prominent in the town.

He joined present and former trustees of the green, and others who contributed to the canopy project, for lunch at the Valiant Soldier Museum and a special ceremony on the green, including a guitar set from local musician Alex Knight.

Alan was reunited with some of his old classmates from Buckfastleigh Primary School and took a quick look around the museum, including part of the building where his family lived and where he was born.

He also presented and donated some of his old photographs of the town to the museum.

Alan said that, despite living in the US, he still views himself as a Buckfastleigh boy.

He was presented with a special copy of ‘The Book of Buckfastleigh’ by local writer and volunteer Sandra Coleman, as a thank you for his contribution.

Cllr Huw Cox, chairman of the Orchard Millennium Green Trust, said: ‘It was a delight to welcome Mr Tucker to the green today and to be able to thank him for the financial support he has given us toward making the canopy a reality.

‘I’d also like to thank all the individuals who helped in the planning and construction of the canopy, including architect Christopher Woodhead, Richard Perkins and our former chairman Andrew Rudgley for leading the project.’

The idea for the canopy was inspired by Alan, who dreamed of a permanent memorial to his family and has been a major financial donor to the project.

Ted Tucker, Alan’s father, ran several businesses including a bicycle repair shop, car hire company, electrical retailer as well as The Globe pub.

Ted also performed locally with his widely acclaimed vaudeville and minstrel group.

The canopy has been used for a variety of events since its opening in 2017.

Upcoming events on the green include an annual apple day on October 13 and Sunday tea on the green afternoons until mid-October.