Members of the Penns Place club re-enacted the famous sport of the Royal Navy in the High Street during the popular event, which drew large crowds of support from the community.

On Saturday, officials from the club presented a cheque for £3,000 to Judy Horne, Hampshire co-ordinator for the charity.

The fundraiser had been the idea of director of rugby Steve Penberthy, as a break in the usual summer training routines at the club and was an enormous success. The money was raised through sponsorship of those who took part and collections held during the event itself.

Judy said after the presentation that she was thrilled by the public sentiment shown by the town of Petersfield in collecting such a sum. She told Petersfield RFC chairman Peter Caines: "Everyone has been delightful and made both my husband, Rob, and me very welcome."

Judy brought with her a selection of Help For Heroes merchandise and sold so much she had to return home to replenish her supplies.

"The successful sale of merchandise was a bonus and I am very grateful for everyone's generosity," she added. These sales raised a further £300 for the charity.

Jonathan Berry, of Petersfield Events, said: "These events are really for all the town to be involved in and to get a fuller utilisation of The Square.

"We were very happy the rugby club took up the challenge in such a positive way. It meant the High Street and Square had over 1,000 people there during the event. We encourage others clubs to do the same next year. These days are really for everyone to contribute to and enjoy the Festivities."

Petersfield RFC president Paul Martin said: "We don't just seek to provide rugby to hundreds of players of all ages at the club, so when opportunities are identified, we engage in efforts to benefit the local and wider communities and willingly take up that challenge."

Petersfield mayor Hilary Ayer attended the ceremony at the clubhouse in Penns Place on Saturday.

She commented: "I was so pleased with the way all of Petersfield joined in the Summer Festivities. Everyone seemed to be having a great time and what an opening event.

"The rugby club put on a really good display for us.

"My husband was involved with the Brickwoods field gun event for several years so I know that doing this routine took a lot of practise in a very short time.

"I was very proud of the team for taking on such a task for this very worthwhile cause."