Campaigners and volunteers have celebrated the opening of their community library, after a long battle to save it from closure.

Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew cut the ribbon to declare Rawdon Community Library officially open on Saturday.

The MP joined the Friends of Rawdon Community Library, members of Rawdon Parish Council – who gave a grant for new signs – and other well-wishers at the event.

Among those present was Graham Smith, a retired Ilkley businessman, who has donated £4,800 to the library. As a child he discovered a love of reading at the library, which changed his life and led to his future success.

The Friends group was formed after Leeds City Council announced the proposed closure of the Library in January 2011.

A petition with more than 600 names was presented to the council and volunteers were given a year to prove they could sustain the library.

In August this year a lease was signed for the transfer of the library to the community.