A "FORGOTTEN" community is to be put on the map after residents complained that motorists were ignoring their village.

The residents of Bolam, near Darlington, say they have been missing out on possible passing trade because the village is not clearly signposted from the A68.

The only signpost near Bolam points to the nearby quarry and tip, with no mention of the existence of the village.

In a bid to get their community noticed, the residents of Bolam sent a petition to Durham County Council, and now they are to get four extra road signs.

The county council has agreed to fund the signposts, and Darlington Borough Council will maintain them.

Dave Clarke, landlord and chef of the Countryman Inn, said it was great news for Bolam.

He said: "Bolam is a beautiful village, but people don't seem to know it exists because the only signs point them towards the waste tip and quarry, which probably puts most people off.

"I've lost a fair bit of custom because people don't know where we are, so this should be great for my pub and great for the village as a whole."

Mr Clarke was among those who gathered a petition to the highways authority.

Adrian White, Durham County Council's area traffic engineer, said: "We listened to what residents were saying and agreed they had a valid point.

"The signs have already been ordered and all will be in place within the next few weeks.

"Durham County Council is happy to put Bolam well and truly on the map."