Despite very windy weather the new Coates village sign – donated by the Women’s Institute - was unveiled to more than 30 people at the weekend.

“It went brilliantly,” said Jill Anthony, Coates WI’s vice-chairman.

“The weather just about held out for us, although Derek Bedford did have to hold the sheet so it didn’t fly away.

“We had the Mayor of Whittlesey Alex Miscandlon and deputy mayor Ralph Butcher and a couple of councillors come along.

“We had tea and coffee and I made a special cake to mark the occasion.”

The old sign had been in the village for 33 years, and a familiar face was on hand to unveil the new one.

The new sign was designed by local artist Jeni Cairns, using an intricate type of fretwork to depict various aspects of village life.

In 2014, Jeni was invited by the RHS to create a show garden at Hampton Court flower show for sponsors ‘Metal and Arts Culture Organisation.’

The garden, called ‘A Space to Connect and Grow,’ won Gold and Best Summer Garden. During the BBC coverage TV’s Monty Don expressed his admiration for her work.

The metal framework’s support and stand has been designed and made by James Neacey of Fenland Furniture Whittlesey.

Money for the new sign has been raised for the last six months, with fundraisers collecting £560 to add to £500 donated by Whittlesey Town Council.