A Sidmouth pub is set to close from Tuesday (May 30) so the late former landlord’s estate can be settled – but that is only expected to take a week.

Acting manager Chrissie Worthington met with Volunteer Inn owner Punch Taverns this week and learned it should return to business as usual around Wednesday, June 7.

She is the step-daughter of Steve Lea, who died on July 7 last year at the age of 56, and has been asked if she will take over as the landlady.

“The pub is only closing to settle Steve’s estate,” said Chrissie. “They’ll need to do things like take stock – it will hopefully take about a week.

“I would like to thank all the customers for their constant support and understanding during what has been a difficult time.”

A Punch Taverns spokesman said it has been actively working with Chrissie on ‘how to progress the business going forward’.