DORCHESTER'S business community has been rocked by the death of one of its leading figures.

BID (Business Improvement District) chairman Peter Legg died at the weekend after being admitted to hospital following a heart attack.

As well as paying tribute to Mr Legg's efforts on behalf of the town, members of the town's business community also expressed their sympathy for his wife Alison and daughter Zoe.

Project director of the Dorchester BID Phil Gordon said Mr Legg had worked tirelessly on behalf of Dorchester and its traders.

He said: “Peter was a lovely guy and he cared about Dorchester and just wanted what was best for Dorchester and businesses in the town.

“He was brilliant in his role as chairman and God knows what his family is going through now.”

Mr Legg, a director at Arthur Savage Insurance who turned 60 this year, was elected to the role of chairman of the BID last year and under his guidance it was successfully re-elected for a second five-year term.

Mr Gordon said: “He took over as chairman at a very difficult time for the BID and he threw himself into it with great zest and enthusiasm.

“He really did make a huge positive contribution to the BID.

“He was a very much respected and liked member of the team and I think a lot of businesses in town will be sad to see him go.

“He was one of the good guys.”

Mr Gordon added: “He was Dorchester through and through and really cared about trying to make a difference.

“Our hearts certainly go out to his family and I hope they can get through it with love and support from their friends and family.”

John Fiori, who runs the Horse with the Red Umbrella cafe in Dorchester and is also member of the BID board, said: “He was one of the most honest people I have ever met.

He said: “He gave me lots of good advice and I shall miss his great forward talking.

“I think the hardest thing will be trying to fill the gap he's going to leave.”

Mr Fiori added: “My sympathies go to his family and friends and everyone.

“The BID is worse off for the sad loss.”

Mark Andre from Dorchester's Waitrose store, who also worked with Mr Legg on the BID board, said: “He did so much for the BID and for the businesses in Dorchester at a time when it really needed it.

“He was a very inspirational leader and I was privileged and honoured to work with him.”

A fellow director at the company where Mr Legg worked for around 40 years paid tribute to a 'friend and colleague of the highest calibre'.

Barry Shereston said Mr Legg joined Arthur Savage Insurance after leaving school and grew with the company over the years.

He described him as a trusted colleague who gave 110 per cent and could always be relied upon.

Mr Shereston said: “Peter was a friend and colleague of the highest calibre.

“His vast knowledge and experience and jovial nature will be sadly missed by myself and colleagues at Arthur Savage Insurance.”