More than a thousand people have backed the campaign to “Put the Palace Back in our Pier”.

About a decade ago, the Noble Organisation caused controversy when it took down the former Palace Pier sign and replaced it with one saying ‘Brighton Pier’.

Now, with the Victorian landmark up for sale, The Argus has launched a campaign for the new owners to give the landmark back its real name.

In little more than a week, the number of those who have signed the petition smashed through the 1,000 people barrier.

This includes more than 200 paper submissions which have been received through The Argus mailbox.

Joy and Brian Harmer, of Arundel Road, Peacehaven, started their own petition among friends in the area before sending it in.

Miss P Elford, 81, of Marine Court, Shoreham, wrote in a letter: “I heartily agree that the pier should have its proper name back. I’m Brighton born and was first taken on the pier when I was almost five.

“Everyone knows the pier is in Brighton so why call it that?”

Support for the campaign to switch its name back has come from former residents living as far afield as the USA, Holland and Greece.

Georgina le Clercq, of Hove, said: “It should never have been re-branded.“I was wheeled along the pier as a baby and, as a child, always called it the Ghost Pier as I had a bizarre fascination with the enormous statue with pointed ears which stood over the ghost train at the end of the pier.”

Vaughan Whittington, of Port Richey, Florida, said: “As much as I am from Brighton I was extremely disappointed that the name of the pier had been changed.“I often boast to my friends that they must visit Brighton and the Palace Pier if they ever get to the UK.”

Agent GVA Humberts Leisure is conducting a worldwide search for a buyer which is expected to take at least six months.

Experts locally have suggested the pier could fetch in excess of £30 million.

The Argus did contact those looking after the sale yesterday but did not receive a response at the time of going to print.

It is thought both international and domestic bidders have expressed interest in the attraction.

Sign our online petition here.