Tributes continue to be paid to the life of Lord Richard Attenborough, Baron of Richmond, as this week marks the anniversary of his death.

The actor and director was best known for his work in film, most famously for directing Gandhi in 1982 and starring in blockbusters including Jurassic Park and Miracle on 34th Street.

No less impressive was his work in education and as a patron of the arts, on a global scale and at home in Richmond.

As well as undertaking international ventures, such as founding the Jane Holland Creative Centre for Learning in Swaziland in honour of his daughter, who died when the tsunami of 2004 struck their villa in Thailand, Lord Attenborough was active on the benches at the House of Lords and energetic as a local resident of Richmond alongside his wife, Sheila.

Lord Attenborough’s gifts to the community included support for the new Orange Tree Theatre, which continues to specialise in new plays and neglected classics despite cuts in its national funding since 2014.

Ben Clare of the Orange Tree Theatre said: “Part of the theatre is named after him. He played a vital part in our fundraising, which enabled us to move to our new premises in Clarence Street.”

His high-profile presence was welcomed at events such as the opening of the Dramatic Edge initiative, which helps young people in the area to improve self-confidence through performance.

Richmond Council’s cabinet member for art and culture, Meena Bond, said: “Richard Attenborough was a giant of a man and a firm supporter of the arts, who loved the stage with all his being.

“His love for the borough was obvious, and he was very much loved in return.

“We claimed him as our own despite his status as an international star.”

Lord Attenborough was given a knighthood in 1976, and in 1993 became a life peer as Baron Attenborough of Richmond.

He was elected chancellor of the University of Sussex in 1998 and served in the role until the graduation of July 2008.

In 2007, at the age of 83, Lord Attenborough was awarded an honorary doctorate by Kingston University.

This week, a giant 3D montage of Lord Attenborough’s life and work has been projected on to the University of Sussex campus’ newly- refurbished Grade II* listed Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts.

A typographic oil portrait made up of the names of 200 individuals and organisations who donated to the project will also hang in the centre’s foyer.

His son, Michael Attenborough, an honorary professor of English and drama at the university, was in attendance at the opening.

To coincide with the commemorations, unseen images of Lord Attenborough with his family have just been released.

Previous commemorations include a mixed medium mural on Red Lion Street in Richmond by artist Paul Smith of Surbiton.

Lord Attenborough died five days before his 91st birthday on August 24, 2014, having left his family home on Richmond Green to go into full-time care.