CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save an ancient tree are celebrating after a developer gave it its bid to chop it down.

Protesters from Adlington set up the Champions of the Cardwell Beech group to save the 300-year-old tree which stands on Chorley Road opposite the Cardwell Arms.

It was the subject of a Tree Preservation Order but developer Westbury Homes, which is building at the nearby Fairview Farm estate, claimed the tree was unsafe and tried to get the order lifted.

Its attempts were initially thwarted by Chorley Borough Council which vowed to protect the tree after bringing in experts to inspect it.

Cheltenham-based Westbury then lodged an appeal with an independent inspector.

But after fierce campaigning by local residents, the developer yesterday withdrew its appeal.

Campaigner Ned Naylor said: "At last common sense has prevailed. The tree is a very important landmark in Adlington and a magnificent tree and I'm pleased it has been saved."

Rafiq Tailor, technical director for Westbury Homes said it had withdrawn its appeal after reviewing the results of the two surveys.

He said: "Moving forward, Westbury is keen to work in conjunction with the local council to reassure residents of its intentions and to allay any concerns over the future of the tree."