BOXING legend Frank Bruno has backed a pub’s bid to save a huge red dragon mural painted on its wall.

The Brewer’s Arms, in Bicknacre, unveiled its giant ‘Drunken Dragon’ mural to divided opinion after new owners took over in July.

But while undergoing a £100,000 renovation project, landlord Ben Davies and dad David received a letter from Chelmsford City Council ordering them to remove it.

The imposing image takes up a full wall of the pub, which is set to open soon.

The ‘Drunken Dragon’ will be the name of the pub’s restaurant when it opens.

The council has now called for its removal after ruling it was advertising.

David said: “We need people to come together and say ‘Save our dragon’.

“We have had the letter from the council, and to say we are disappointed would probably be the fairest way of describing how we feel.

“We have had many people tell us they like it and they were looking forward to seeing us opening.

“I do appreciate there are some people who do not like it, but art is always in the eye of the beholder.”

Former British world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno has backed the mural.

In an online appeal, he said: “It’s breathing new life into an old country pub so I want you to join me in trying to ‘Save the Dragon’.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Frank Bruno has shown his support for 'The Drunken Dragon' after Chelmsford City Council ordered for the mural to be removedFrank Bruno has shown his support for 'The Drunken Dragon' after Chelmsford City Council ordered for the mural to be removed

David added: “We feel we are doing our bit for the community and we would like the powers that be to understand that.”

The dragon is a tribute to Ben’s grandfather, who was a proud Welshman.

A city council spokesman said: “The council have received a large number of complaints from local people regarding the ‘drunken dragon’ mural in Bicknacre.

It is considered an advertisement and in response to these complaints, our officers have written to the pub owners to ask them to remove it.”