Neighbours in Richmond can sleep easy after a disused pub targeted by developers was snatched up by one of the most trusted people in Britain - Sir David Attenborough.

And for anyone wondering why the veteran TV wildlife presenter wanted to splash out £1m on The Hole In The Wall pub, it is because he lives next door.

Concerned homeowners feared the old building, which had stood empty for two years and caught the interest of a developer last year, could be transformed into an unrecognisable property.

But Sir David bought it in February and, according to the Mail Online, has delighted neighbours - householders in the area inlude Sir Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend and Sir David’s big brother, film director Lord Richard Attenborough - by deciding to retain the facade.

The 83-year-old is believed to be considering plans to develop two small homes out of part of the pub as well as planting an orchard and building another fishpond to add to his existing flower garden and patio.

In 2006, 4,900 Britons voted Sir David the most trusted celebrity in Britain in a Reader's Digest survey.

What do you think about Sir David's purchase? Email rtt@london.newsquest.co.uk or leave your thoughts below.