The legacy of a campaigner will live on in so many local projects - including a community pub which is set to open its doors next week.

Following months of negotiations with owners Palmers Brewery, a hugely successful public fundraising campaign and weeks of hard work by volunteers, the White Lion in Broadwindsor will relaunch as a community venture. It will open its doors on Friday, April 29 at 6pm.

Sadly, one man who will not be there to join the celebrations is David Leader, the parish council vice chairman who spearheaded the community pub campaign.

Mr Leader died suddenly last month at the age of 64.

Villagers said Mr Leader, who was married to Elaine and had two children, was an 'inspiration' who worked tirelessly for the area. They said his legacy will live on in so many things he campaigned for in the village including the pub.

The pub closed last summer after the tenants took over a pub in Somerset. Unable to find a landlord to take it over, Palmers approached the parish council to see if the community would be interested in running it, which prompted Mr Leader to put together a group to explore the idea.

Rick Dyke, chairman of the White Lion Management Committee, said: "Without David’s energy, enthusiasm and diplomacy, we would not be about to reopen the pub.

"We hope that the White Lion will become the community hub that David envisaged."

Mr Dyke also paid tribute to the local community which has so generously supported the committee’s fundraising efforts.

He added: "I am sure everyone who visits the White Lion will agree that the transformation has been remarkable."

Around £50,000 was raised for refurbishment and working capital through public donations, grants, funding from the parish council, a contribution from Palmers Brewery and events, including a band night and two themed food evenings. A pop-up bar in the village hall has been running since October and raised nearly £10,000.

The tenancy agreement for the White Lion was signed by committee members on February 14. Work has been going on behind the scenes ever since to get the pub ready to open.

Kate Staff, whose parents live locally, will be running the pub with her daughters, Chloe and Louise. They met the community at an open evening in the pub in February when visitors had the opportunity to find out more about the refurbishment and future plans.

Since then, Kate has been leading the volunteer decorating team in transforming the interior into a lighter and brighter space.

She said: "It’s lovely to be a part of this amazing project. We’re really looking forward to opening the doors and welcoming customers back into the pub."

Initially, the pub will be open only for drinks until new kitchen equipment is installed.

The White Lion aims to be modestly profitable but not for private profit, offering food and drink with an emphasis on local produce. The atmosphere is intended to be warm and friendly and a hub for the community.

The pub will be open from Tuesday to Friday, from 6pm until 11pm, and on Saturdays from 11am- 11pm and Sundays from noon to 10.30pm. On Tuesday nights, the pub will not be serving food but customers are welcome to take in their fish and chips from the van that comes to the village every week.