A LEADING light of the Bovey Paradiso team has died, just weeks before his dream comes true.

Tony Pearce died at the weekend after a long illness, and colleagues and political leaders have paid tribute to a man whose passion would help shape a new future for Bovey Tracey.

One of the Paradiso directors, he had been a guiding force behind the plan to convert the long-derelict King of Prussia pub into a centre for the arts and live entertainment.

His hopes to make Bovey Tracey an important cultural centre for the arts to rival other towns in Teignbridge and the South Hams will begin later this summer when a new cinema and theatre opens in the town.

Town mayor Cllr Avril Kerswell praised Mr Pearce’s successful campaigning. ‘He had only been in the town for a few years but had achieved so much in a very short time,’ she said.

‘He really caught the imagination of the town with the Paradiso project, and it’s such a shame he didn’t live long enough to see it realised.’

Retired civil engineer Tony and his wife Jeanette moved to Bovey Tracey in 2012 and soon became involved in community issues. Before he moved on to focus on the Paradiso project Tony was involved with Bovey Futures.

Futures member Tom Wilson said: ‘Tony was a key founder member of the team, we will miss him terribly.’

Halina Pasiecznik, another founder member of Bovey Futures, paid tribute. She said: ‘Tony was an amazing community activist – energetic, brave and visionary – and I am sorry that he won’t be around to see the Paridiso open, as I am sure that it will.’

Despite Tony’s death, the work of the Paradiso team goes on.

The Paradiso directors today issued the following statement:

’It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Tony Pearce, who had the inspiration to start the Bovey Paradiso project. Tony’s enthusiasm and determination achieved an immense amount despite long-term illness.

’It was Tony’s vision to create a community arts and entertainment centre in Bovey Tracey to transform the lives of local residents by providing a cinema, theatre and art gallery, with a cafe and restaurant complementing them.

’While the Bovey Paradiso board will greatly miss his many skills, he leaves us with well-advanced plans and determined to continue with achieving our vision for the King of Prussia.

’The demolition and construction work for the cinema/theatre at the rear of the main King of Prussia building has started – you can see pictures of the site on our website www.paradiso.org.uk . We will update you with our progress in due course.’

The public can catch up with its progress and meet the directors when the King of Prussia opens its doors during tomorrow’s Green Man Festival.