A Norfolk village has proudly restored its village sign thanks to a £600 donation from Persimmon Homes Anglia.

%image(14858349, type="article-full", alt="Places -- FFramingham Earl Parish Council was rewarded for its efforts in bringiing a splash of colour to the village when a village sign painted and designed by local artist Mrs Sheila Michalski, was unveiled by the Bishop of Thetford, The Rt Rev Eric Cordingly.Used in the Evening News "Do You Remember" 16 September 2003, Page 8Dated -- 28 February 1976Photograph -- c8216")

Its restoration had been a labour of love for Framingham Earl Parish Council, which called on volunteers to help return the prominent sign to its former glory.

A professional artist was employed to carry out the finer works of the project, and Persimmon's grant match funded the council's own costs.

Parish councillor Judith Todd said: 'The village sign is seen by thousands of travellers each day as they pass along the Bungay Road and it is an important symbol of the village's identity. However it had deteriorated considerably in recent years and was in need of restoration.

'We are so grateful to Persimmon for helping us. We are a very small council with a commensurately small precept and we appreciate the help we have received.'

The work was carried out by north Norfolk artist and sign restorer Fiona Davies, who attended the grand unveiling along with many local councillors and Persimmon Homes Anglia managing director Andrew Fuller.

Mr Fuller said: 'We were delighted to assist the parish council in its restoration of the Framingham Earl village sign, and having seen the finished work it was clearly money well spent. It is important to us as a company to support the communities where we are building new homes.'

The funding was from the builder's Community Champions initiative to support local good causes and charities throughout the year.

Persimmon's sister company Charles Church has planning permission to build 100 new homes on Pigot Lane and Framingham Earl.

The Persimmon Community Champions initiative is a national programme where charities and groups can apply for funding up to the value of £1,000 to match money they have already raised themselves.

This month, money was also donated to the St-Eds Skills Developments Project in Norwich, which provides practical training to enhance employment prospects and independent living.

Two groups are chosen every month to receive a match-funding donation and organisations are encouraged to apply by completing an online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.

Are you fundraising for a community project? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684.