Colin Atkinson has battled for the last 18 months for his right to display the small palm cross on the dashboard of his van ever since a complaint was made by a WDH tenant.

The letter of complaint alleged that displaying the cross in the van might offend people of other faiths.

WDH told Mr Atkinson to remove the 8in cross and when he refused, launched an investigation into his apparent failure to comply with company rules banning all personal effects in company vans.

Although the company took a hard line with Mr Atkinson, it allows Muslim employees to wear burkas and one Muslim employee is allowed to display a verse from the Koran in her company car.

The company backed down during a closed door meeting last night between WHD executive director of people Gillian Pickersgill, Mr Atkinson and his Unite union rep Terry Cuncliffe.

Commenting on the outcome of the meeting yesterday, Mr Atkinson told the Daily Mail: “Christians across the country are being persecuted because of their faith.

“I have not bashed anybody with my Bible. I simply want to be able to demonstrate my faith.”

The U-turn has been welcomed by former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, who said: “I’m so glad. All that was needed was a little bit of compassion and understanding. Where there is a bit of common sense we can find a resolution.”