THE UK’s first community-run rock pub will throw open its doors on Saturday with a special guest appearance from Judas Priest’s Rob Halford.

The heavy metal front man will join the locals who set up a community company to reopen the Sir Charles Napier in Blackburn town centre as a social enterprise.

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Since taking on the building in June, the former regulars have refitted the pub, turning it into a music venue and adding a kitchen for food service.

The work has been funded by support from investors, Kickstarter backers, fundraising events as well as grants from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Bootstrap Enterprises and the Plunkett Foundation.

Judas Priest had hits such as Living After Midnight and Breakin’ the Law.

Lead singer Rob who will be at Saturday’s sold-out event, has supported the campaign since July last year, when he appeared online in a video encouraging rock fans to support local community venues such as the Napier.

He said: “It’s great, not only for music but for the community as well. You can’t beat these kinds of venues.

Cllr Phil Riley, said: “The council is delighted that the Napier is finally in the hands of the community group.”

“We have worked hard with Alex Martindale and his team and with the owners, Thwaites, to bring the pub back into use and look forward to it re-opening and helping to revive Blackburn’s night-time economy.”