THE community group which fought to save the home of Harwood farmer Arnold Davenport has been wound up nearly a year after his death.

The Harwood and Breightmet Action Committee was formed by councillors and residents three years ago to help save Mr Davenport's Nab Gate Farm from redevelopment.

They raised thousands of pounds for Mr Davenport through a series of fundraising events to help meet the legal cost of his eviction fight.

But the long battle to keep the 61-year-old in his home ended tragically on September 6 last year when Mr Davenport was found hanging in a barn at the Harwood farm.

He committed suicide after losing the battle to keep his farmhouse home, which he had lived in for 44 years.

An 11th hour deal had been struck which would have seen the farm converted into five cottages. He would have been given one of the cottages rent free.

His home has now been demolished and turned into a mini rural village by developers Lyndon Forshaw and Darren Brown.

With the fight to save Mr Davenport's farm from redevelopment over, committee members met to wind the group up -- and donated the remainder of their fighting fund to animal welfare charities.

They have erected a bench in the grounds of Christ Church, Harwood, for the much-loved farmer and they also plan to place an urn on his grave.

Members of the committee paid tribute to Mr Davenport, ahead of the anniversary of his death on Monday.

Bradshaw Cllr Diana Brierley said: "Arnold's plight brought together the whole community and everyone worked hard only to have things end so sadly. He was a unique character and it was a pleasure to have known him."

Ian Broadley, chairman of the action group, said: "Although 12 months has passed, it is still a very sad time for the committee. Arnold's family and the wider community supported his cause with such generosity.

"We would like to thank Cllrs Paul and Diana Brierley who worked tirelessly alongside the committee, and everyone who contributed to the fighting fund."