King's Lynn's town sign has been returned to one of the gateways to the port.

The sign, which stands in the middle of the Southgates roundabout, was taken down after it was found to have suffered weather damage.

It was repaired by a specialist firm of sign writers, Harry H Overton and Co.

The sign has been completely stripped and repainted, and parts of the wood that had rotted have been repaired or replaced.

One part that was re-carved was the dragon that one side of the sign depicts St Margaret of Antioch, the patron saint of Lynn, defeating. The other side of the sign depicts Henry Bell, the architect of Lynn's famous Custom House.

The shields and scrolls at the top of the sign were also replaced. The shield shows the town's arms, with the pelican crest Lynn adopted in the 18th century sitting on top.

Elizabeth Nockolds, deputy leader of the borough council and cabinet member for culture, heritage and health, said: 'I'm delighted that our sign is now back in its place at the gateway to our beautiful town. Norfolk's carved and painted town and village signs are part of what makes our county so special.

'I'd like to thank Helena Anderson, the local artist who previously repaired the sign.

'Her work meant the sign could stand in place for a good few years, but time and the weather take their toll on carved timber, and every so often we do have to intervene to make sure it can last as long as possible.

'These repairs mean our sign should stand for a good few years to come, once again welcoming residents and visitors to Lynn.'

The tradition of town signs has its origins on the Royal Estate, a few miles up the road from Lynn at Sandringham.

King Edward VII thought the signs would help drivers and also highlight interesting village features.

Signs soon appeared by the roadside at West Newton, Wolferton and Dersingham.

In 1920 his son Albert, then Duke of York gave a speech commending the usefulness of town signs.

From there, they spread across Norfolk, Suffolk and further afield.

Swaffham carver and woodwork teacher Harry Carter is reckoned to have carved more than 200 of them before his death in 1983.