An important piece of village history was saved last week after a dramatic U-turn by a corporate chain over the naming of a south Bucks pub.

Plans were believed to be in place for the Chequers Inn in Prestwood - which is believed to date back to the mid 1700s - to be renamed 'The Prestwood'.

But after residents voiced anger over the move owner Greene King has appeared to change its mind after confirming on Friday that the name will change to 'The Chequers Tree'.

Mark Wingrove, chair of the Prestwood Village Association, said: "It is a victory for the village.

"I am sure that people will be happy with the new name, it made no sense to call it The Prestwood."

But it seems not all residents were satisfied with the move. A BFP poll found that 80 per cent of people thought the pub’s name should remain The Chequers, with ten per cent voting for The Chequers Tree and just 6 per cent The Prestwood.

The pub is currently closed for refurbishment in what Greene King say is a “six-figure investment” - believed to be in the region of £300,000 – and is due to reopen for business early next month.

A spokesperson for Greene King said, “We are in the process of a major refurbishment and together with our new experienced licensees we have been considering ways we can reflect this positive new start for the pub, including a change of name.

“Having listened to the concerns of some people in the community regarding the pub’s heritage, the pub will re-launch as The Chequers Tree.

“We would like to thank local residents for all their comments and their considerable passion for our pub.”

The pub counts post-war leader Clement Attlee among its former regulars and the current sign was inaugurated by Harold Wilson.

Prestwood resident Simon Laurie said: “The name explains what the Chequers is and what it means. People are pleased that the pub has appeared to listen to them.

“My next question is what will happen to the old signs? People want them to remain part of the pub.”