The signpost on The Green in Middleton Tyas had been missing one of its three finger posts for years - more than anyone could remember.

When the undergrowth was cleared from a garden adjacent to The Green, the missing finger post re-surfaced, now rusty and neglected with the original fixing broken off.

At the same time John Vickers, who lives in the village, read a D&S Times feature about Dalehouse-based David Whitlock who, through his company Cleveland Corrosion Control, specialises in restoring old milestones and signposts as part of our heritage.

Mr Vickers, a retired metallurgist with a life-long interest in engineering, was able to produce the technical drawings showing exactly what was required to put the missing finger post back.

"In my experience, very few people would even consider making the kind of bracket we wanted as a one-off. Most engineering businesses would not be interested in an order of fewer than a hundred.

"David improved on my suggested way of doing it and came up with the goods. All I had to add was the coat of paint. We were very lucky to find out about him just when the finger post came to light."

Mr Vickers and his neighbour Norman Rudd wrestled the heavy iron bracket and finger post back into position and the signpost is now back to rights.

Coun Graham Thomas, Middleton Tyas Parish Council chairman, said: "Several years ago the parish council opted to keep our old signpost rather than having a modern replacement.

"David Whitlock said everyone should adopt a milestone or signpost for the jubilee. We're delighted to do that - just in time for the jubilee too."