PEACE has been restored to a quiet Dorset village after bosses at the local pub dropped controversial plans to stage strip shows and lap dancing events.

Len Lewis and Elizabeth Jayne, landlord and landlady of the Royal Oak in Bere Regis unexpectedly dropped their plans at the start of a two-day appeal at Wareham Magistrates' Court.

The idea of strippers and erotic dancers performing in the quiet village pub prompted more than 500 people to sign a protest petition.

Around 20 residents had been prepared to voice their opposition to the plans at the appeal against Purbeck District Council's decision not to grant a public entertainment licence.

The last-minute compromise meant the Royal Oak was granted a public entertainment licence for its skittle alley on the strict condition it does not host any events featuring erotic dancers.

Afterwards, residents said they were pleased with the outcome but warned they would be keeping a close eye on the pub.

Margaret Dann, of Bere Regis Women's Institute, said: "We had to take the lesser option - it was either that or risk losing and ending up with erotic dancing. But we shall monitor the situation very closely."

Tim Maunder, chairman of Bere Regis Parish Council, said: "As a compromise, it's the only solution we could really reach.

"But I would reiterate that fact that we as a parish council and as residents of Bere Regis are not 'Nimbys' and we are not mean-spirited."

Mum Alison Bennett collected hundreds of signatures against the licence.

She said: "The residents are delighted with the outcome of the appeal - the restrictions on the licence granted to the Royal Oak address the serious concerns we had about inappropriate adult entertainment.

"This means that the entertainment offered at the pub will not be a threat to community values and I feel that it is due to the battling of the residents that we have triumphed."

Rev Iain Woodward, vicar of Bere Regis, was also happy at the outcome.

"We're delighted that erotic entertainment is now prohibited because we're very concerned about the moral and pastoral welfare of the community.

"It would have given the village a reputation it neither wanted nor deserved.

"We want it to be a place where everyone can flourish and where visitors can enjoy themselves."

Landlady Mrs Jayne said: "You have to compromise in this life and I'm satisfied with the outcome."