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Britain's oldest pub is under to pressure to change its name - Ye Olde Fighting Cocks - from an animal rights group.

They say the eighth century boozer in St Albans, Hertfordshire, should be renamed to Ye Olde Clever Cocks to "reflect compassion for animals".

But regulars at the pub - listed as Britain's oldest by Guinness World Records - say the idea is bonkers.

Since it was founded in the eighth century, the pub in Abbey Mill Lane has had many names, but since 1872 it has been called Ye Olde Fighting Cocks because of its history of cockfighting - a sport banned in the UK in the 1800s.

(Image: Cascade)

But in a letter sent to the pub on Monday, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) urges the pub to update its name to Ye Olde Clever Cocks - in recognition of society's growing compassion for animals.

PETA director Mimi Bekhechi said: "Changing the name would reflect today's rejection of needless violence and help celebrate chickens as the intelligent, sensitive and social animals they are.

"Today, kind people are appalled by the thought of forcing birds to fight to the death and more people than ever are making the compassionate choice not to eat chickens, either."

The Review ran an online poll asking readers if they thought the name should be changed, in which 61 per cent (517 people) said no compared to 39 per cent (334 people) who said yes.

Hundreds have also taken to social media to express their outrage at the idea.

(Image: Cascade)

Alasdair Melville used to work at the pub and is a former pupil of St Albans School.

The 31-year-old said: "Rather than worrying about the name of a pub, I think PETA should worry about looking after chickens at chicken farms for example. "There is a better way to make a point."

Mr Melville, who owns estate agents Hawk and Chadwick, added: "If the pub were to change its name, where does it end? "I do not associate the name with cock fighting, I associate with the history.

"St Albans is great place in which to work and live because it's steeped in history." Esme Rice has lived in the city for 20 years and said the pub was a landmark.

poll loading Should the pub change it's name? 0+ VOTES SO FAR YES NO

She said: "I remember eating in their garden when I was young and my dad explaining about the sport and how barbaric it is but how this pub is a mark of heritage and history, not a celebration of the sport."

Another regular, Robert Oakhill, 71, of Dexter Close, said: "The thing that appals me is the total lack of appreciation of history.

"The current name informs us about the past. It enables us to contemplate the great advances that have been made.

"The new name is, to use the most appropriate critical term, 'bonkers'."