Villagers are delighted that the battle is over against a hotel's bid to stay open all day and night.

People living in Calverley are celebrating after owners of The Elmwood Hotel withdrew their controversial application.

Whitbread, owner of the Brewers Fayre hotel, had wanted to serve alcohol from 10am until 12.30am, dish up hot food until 5am and play live or recorded music from 10am until 12.30am every day of the week.

David Williams, one of the residents who objected, said: "Common sense has prevailed."

Tom Wake, of Calverley Residents Association, said: "It's marvellous news, absolutely brilliant. The campaign to put a stop to the Elmwood's plot was a success thanks to everyone in the village who took the time to send in their objections and to the publicity we got in the T&A.

"We're very happy Whitbread pulled out but we want them to know we'll still be keeping an eye on them in case they decide to try to re-apply in the future."

Residents had feared the longer licence could lead to 24-hour drinking in the peaceful village and posters went up urging people to object.

One of those behind the campaign was Calverley councillor Andrew Carter, who branded the Elmwood's bid as "wholly inappropriate."

Elderly people in the Brookleigh complex near the hotel were among the first to complain. Warden Christine Fearnley said residents were worried about the noise from the hotel and behaviour of people walking through the complex as a short cut.

Whitbread had applied for new licences for all its premises nationwide - not just the Elmwood.

The blanket bid had been prompted by legislation to allow hotels like the Elmwood to trade until 12.30am. A Leeds City Council spokesman confirmed Whitbread had withdrawn its application.

A Whitbread spokesman said: "Our businesses operate in the heart of the community and we have taken on board the concerns of local residents and our customers in making this decision.

"As a result of new legislation being brought in by the Government at the end of the year Whitbread will be required to apply for new licences but will work with the local community to ensure all needs are met."