While its not the most momentous issue the people of Great Yarmouth have been asked to vote on in recent weeks passions have been inflamed, cases made for their favourites and appeals launched to harness the support of like-minded folk on all sides.

Eastern Daily Press: The former GT Motors site on the High Street in Gorleston.Picture: James BassThe former GT Motors site on the High Street in Gorleston.Picture: James Bass (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2015)

Being asked to choose the name of the borough's second JD Wetherspoons in Gorleston High Street roused diverse opinions during the two-week campaign but our Facebook and office polling stations have now closed.

The final tally is in and the decision is irreversible.

Voters were asked to choose between five options all chiming with the history and character of the area, ensuring there was no surge of support for Spoony McSpoonface which was among suggestions generated by readers.

In all more than 1000 votes were cast.

But the clear winner with getting on for half the ballot was The William Adams.

It means the watering hole set for the GT Motors site will be named after the legendary life-saver who was born in Gorleston in 1864. Dubbed the Hero of Gorleston, he is credited with saving 140 people from drowning, mainly during his time as a bathing hut attendant on Gorleston Beach.

Adams was also a swimming instructor and coached some of the leading swimmers of the day.

He died in 1913 and is buried in Gorleston Old Cemetery. The name of the swimming legend lives on in William Adams Way.

The full results are as follows:

The William Adams - 431

The Herring Fleet - 232

The Lifeboatman - 223

The Ruby Lamp - 110

The William Fleming - 71

Wetherspoons chairman Tim Martin hailed the response, adding: 'We are indebted to the readers of the Great Yarmouth Mercury for voting in such large numbers.

'The William Adams won by a clear majority and that name will proudly adorn our new pub.'