VILLAGERS who saved their community pub are celebrating the venue's first anniversary.

Members of the Gussage Community Benefit Society battled for two years to keep their local, the Drovers Inn, after it closed without warning in November 2014.

The pub in Gussage All Saints was finally saved from development in March last year.

On Saturday, March 11, campaigners gathered to mark a full year since completing on the purchase of the pub.

Sally Marlow, secretary of the benefit society, said volunteers aged between 14 and 82 had rolled up their sleeves to ensure the Drovers' success.

The pub officially reopened on July 9 last year, and is now run by Stephen and Barbara Aldred.

"Since the reopening Stephen and Barbara have organised many special events, including a return of the Morris Men, together with the Witchampton Ukulele Orchestra," Sally said.

"Along the way, the Save the Drovers campaign has received some special recognition.

"In September, it was awarded the Dorset Community Action award for 'best people's project'.

"Shortly afterwards, the campaign won CAMRA's first-ever 'pub saving' award."

She said the awards are a "testament to the drive and determination of a dedicated group of people from all backgrounds working together for a common cause".

Members of the benefit society now hope to raise funds for a community defibrillator.

There are also plans to build disabled toilets in the village.