Family brewery boss dies aged 48

David Woodhouse was made managing director in 1998

The managing director of an independent brewery in Dorset has died aged 48 after suffering a heart attack.

David Woodhouse of Hall & Woodhouse was in woods at his home near Iwerne Minster on New Year's Day when he was taken ill.

Along with his cousin Mark, he was the fifth generation of the Woodhouse family to be employed in the business.

Hall & Woodhouse operates a chain of 260 pubs, including many in Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset.

David had been managing director since 1998, having joined the board in 1990.

Mark Woodhouse, the brewery's vice chairman, said: "We are all devastated at the loss of David but he has left us a fine legacy."