ONE of Sandiway's most famous tales could be going to the dogs.

Village leaders claim that plans for a new sign at the Blue Cap Hotel ignore the true story of Bluecap, one of Cheshire's greatest foxhounds.

"It's not myths and legends, it's fact and it's disappointing to have this rather soppy looking dog on the sign," said parish councillor Val Godfrey.

"It's not even a hound. It looks more like Snoopy."

Champion chaser Bluecap died in 1772 after a long and prestigious career racing for his owner, John Smith-Barry.

His greatest moment came in a race against a pair of hounds belonging to Hugo Mynell, his owner's arch-rival.

Bluecap won the race - and a 500 guinea bet for his master - while his daughter Wanton came second.

Smith-Barry even built a monument to his heroic hound inscribed with a poem which included the words:

'If fame, honour and glory depend on the deed,

'Then O! Bluecap, rare Bluecap, we'll boast of thy breed!'

The hotel is currently owned by Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, who want to put up a new sign as part of a huge redevelopment.

Village councillors have already seen the plans - and they're not happy.

Clr Godfrey said they show a spaniel-like dog, with a blue cap hanging from its mouth.

"The dog is unimpressive enough," she added.

"But they've added this cap, which has nothing to do with the tale at all."

Scottish and Newcastle are standing by their design. Spokesman Catherine Irwin said: "The design of the sign is in keeping with the pub's name.

"We are very happy with the depiction of the foxhound that the signmaker has created."

But the brewery refused to allow the Guardian to print a copy of the design. "We would prefer the borough council to see the plans in their own time," added Ms Irwin.

The parish council has urged planners to bear the story in mind when they decide the fate of the plans on March 6.

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