Car enthusiasts have defended the name of a 50-year old pub saying it celebrates the town's motoring history.

Almost 500 people have signed an online petition calling for the name of The Midget pub in Abingdon to be changed as it is deemed offensive by some.

But the pub, which opened in 1974, is named after a car that has been associated with the town since the 1930s, said the MG Car Club.

Oxford Mail: The Midget in Abingdon

READ MORE: Stabbing - four men sentenced for street fight

Andy Knott, from the Abingdon club, said: "The name Midget has been synonymous with Abingdon since 1929 when MG moved to the factory they were to occupy for 50 years.

"The name Midget was used for various cars from 1929 to 1936, and was then reincarnated in 1961 until the closure of the factory in 1979."

He said the name "is synonymous with MG, with the 1961 to 1979 MG Midget being a popular sportscar that was exported all around the world.

"It’s still one of the most popular MGs today and Abingdon should be proud of its heritage."

Petition organiser Erin Pritchard said the pub owner Greene King "should recognise the offence of the term and its implications".

The petition has 470 signatures and is growing.

Many people have also commented on the petition to offer their support including several people with dwarfism. 

One said: "It’s hugely offensive for this day and age."

Oxford Mail: MG Abingdon A block

Another said: "My son has dwarfism and there us no need to call a pub this it is offensive." 

And a third added: "Why would you want to be called the M-word? I have all my life and it sucks."

Lord Stokes, the chairman of British Leyland, opened the pub in December 1974.

After a competition run by the Abingdon-based Morland brewery, it was originally named the Magic Midget after a world famous racing car, designed and built in the town in the 1930s – the MG EX 127.

READ MORE: Asda to open new store in multi-million-pound deal

Greene King took over over the Morland brewery and pubs in 2000 and the popular local was redesigned in 2002.

Different bar areas were integrated to make one large bar and dining area, and it was renamed The Midget.

A Greene King spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the negative connotations connected with the word and would not want to offend or alienate our community in any way.

"The pub is named after the MG Midget Car, which is from the iconic motoring brand in Abingdon, MG, and the car is shown on the pub’s signage.”