Paintwork at an historic village pub has been returned to its former glory after regulars protested about its colourful revamp.

Drinkers at the 19th century Busfeild Arms in East Morton said their favourite pub lost its charm after the make-over which included painting the black stone window frames bright blue.

And after a heated meeting two weeks ago with brewery bosses, the Main Road pub's exterior has been restored to its original condition.

Mary Guy, who has lived in the village for about 40 years, said the changes were a step in the right direction.

"Overall we're still not happy with it as we believe they've ruined a traditional country pub," said the 47-year-old estate agent.

"The picnic tables are still a ghastly blue and the inside is still far too bright but we'll just have to see if they make any more changes."

About 100 villagers told managers from the Six Continents Retail, formerly Bass Taverns Ltd, that they also wanted the traditional pub sign back. The company also caused a stir when they tried to change the name of Dick Hudson's in Eldwick,

The East Morton pub displayed the coat of arms of the Busfeilds, a wealthy Bingley family who owned land in Morton.

Village postmistress Janet Purchon claimed the revamp was a travesty - and hated to see the pub painted in blue.

"The sign was part of the village's history but now it's an abominable blue board," she said.

"The decor inside would be best suited in a trendy wine bar for yuppies, not a locals' pub."

Pub manager Pat Anderson said the inside was also tidied up after regulars complained the work was 'slap-dash'. "We're fed up of hearing about it and hopefully this will be the end of it," she said.

A spokesman for the brewery said they could not say if further changes would be made.