THEY’RE calling it a victory for common sense.

Of High Street names who snubbed a chance to promote our armed forces, five of the original seven have done a U-turn.

Marks & Spencer, phone shop O2, bookmakers Coral, travel agents Kuoni, and tea specialists Whittard of Chelsea, are now proudly displaying the Daily Echo poster backing our troops.

The Tigers – Hampshire’s own Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment (PWRR) – will be marching right past their doorsteps next week, exercising the right of Freedom of Entry, an ancient privilege which means some regiments get to parade through the city with “bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying.”

While 20 stores agreed to support the event, a handful refused to display the poster, as reported in yesterday’s Daily Echo.

But many have since changed their tune and 30 stores are now playing their part.

Winchester Mayor Cllr Ernie Jeffs who criticised those who were “not in the spirit”, said: “It does seem like a victory for common sense.

“I think it’s absolutely laudable for them to come back and say ‘we have thought about it’. And now they’re supporting it.”

A spokesman for Marks & Spencer said: “Contrary to yesterday, Marks & Spencer is proudly displaying the poster in its Winchester store. In addition, M&S is committed to supporting members of the armed forces with a number of charity partnerships, including being one of the biggest corporate supporters of The Royal British Legion.”

John Maley, of O2, said: “It’s our policy not to put anything in our windows but given that there’s such close community support we are willing to show our support in this instance.”

Southampton branch secretary of the Royal British Legion, Archie Parsons said: “I think that’s wonderful that some have changed their minds. I suppose you could say they’ve seen the light!”

But some stores are still refusing to back our troops parade.

Clothes store Jigsaw said they would not put the poster in their window as they “don’t have the space,” and The White Company said they could only put the poster up in the staffroom – out of public view.