The only serving member of the British Army to receive the Victoria Cross has marked the start of the building of a new youth club funded by Cambridge University.

Lance Corporal Beharry VC, of the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, broke open the ground in Petworth Street, Battersea, last month.

Caius House Youth Club, currently based in Harroway Road, will have a gathering space, changing rooms, showers and a two-storey sports hall for youngsters in Wandsworth.

Youth club members buried a time capsule at the site, which included the club's latest CD Caius House Album recorded by users of the club.

It was followed by a party with performances from the artists who feature on the CD and a barbecue.

L Cpl Beharry spoke to youngsters about how he came to be awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valour in the armed forces.

Caius House is funded by Gonville and Caius College at the University of Cambridge, with alumni of the youth club now attending the college.

But the publicity-shy college declinded to comment on its funding of the project.

The event was attended by MP Simon Hughes, Wandsworth Police and mayor of Wandsworth councillor Jane Cooper.

Developers Thornsett is expected to finish the project by December 2013.