In some pubs, it is not unusual for customers to have their favourite spot by the bar.

But for this pub in Radstock, customers have been able to 'buy' their own table - and their generosity has left this popular local in a more hopeful place when it re-opens on April 12.

The community inventiveness and generosity has overwhelmed the landlord, who is even more thankful because he is a relative newcomer.

Anthony Baxter moved to the country to take on The Lamb pub in Clandown, after it was left empty for six years, but was the boss for less than three years.

He had high ambitions, as would someone who has worked in the catering industry at the highest levels for over 21 years across Europe and in the South East.

He opened the pub at the top end of Radstock, in 2018, then came coronavirus and all his plans, and even staying afloat, seemed to be in jeopardy.

Then, as Ant, as he prefers to be called, experienced what he calls: " An unbelievable and beautiful thing."

He explained to Nub News: " We have quite a good community following and here at The Lamb it was always the aim to make a good community family pub, with great food, a good atmosphere with lots of things going on, something for everyone."

He took over the pub in 2018 and then just as he was carving out that amazing reputation for great ales and good food, he was forced to close due to coronavirus.

Then great news, the government announced that gardens in pubs can re-open April 12.

Ant explained : " I put a post out on social media about re-opening and I said I only have ten tables...Can anyone put me in touch with anyone who can get me some tables, hopefully cheaply because money is tight... and then THIS happened."

This is a landscaped outdoor area, tables named in honour of locals and a complete community endeavour to get everything spruced up for April 12.

As Ant said: " I moved here with a totally blind faith just wanting to live in the country. Now that faith has been repaid by my amazing customers."

Darren Purnell of DP builders was the rallying cry, he bought the first table and then asked, who else wants to help ? He sold 12 tables in three hours and got the local builders merchants to help out with fencing. So now The Lamb has a lovely smart outdoors and is a viable concern.

You can follow all the help The Lamb is getting by clicking on their story on social media HERE :

their Facebook page

As Ant joked about ways to repair his pub custom friend : " He might get a free pint on re-opening night.. well he might get a few.

"It is just so nice to know that you are part of such a good community especially when you have not been here for very long. It is all down to Darren. The tables were agreed on Saturday, now we are just waiting for the name plaques. It is a good news story after what we have all been through."

Ant cannot thank his local supporters enough - not just Darren - but other local tradespeople who have helped.

" I just can't say thank you enough.. it is just amazing."

Ant is wearing a mask from the catering mental health charity the Burnt Chef Project which he also supports and promotes.

You can find out more about that HERE : the mental health project