A Gastard schoolboy has tackled a longstanding problem at the village’s recreation ground head on – and scored a goal for himself and his friends.

Hardenhuish School pupil Daniel Watts, 11, has seen many of his favourite footballs burst because Gastard Rec’s goalposts didn’t have any netting.

Fed up with balls regularly ending up in hedges, and occasionally on the road, when a goal was scored, the young AFC Corsham centre back decided enough was enough and contacted Corsham Town Council.

Chippenham Town and Arsenal fan Daniel said: “My grandpa bought me a ball and it got burst when it went through the goal and landed in the hedges.

“So I saw a number for Corsham Town Council and rang them asking for some nets.

“They were really helpful.”

Dan lives in Gastard with his dad Paul, mother Cynthia and sister Lois, 15. His father said: “He has shown true initiative and the nets will benefit a lot of people.”