PEOPLE living near the Herefordshire border in Radnorshire may have noticed a lot more activity in recent weeks, both on the roads and in the skies overhead, after a sign guiding passengers to the local airport reappeared.

The sign for Llangedley International Airport, near Kington, began as a prank but took off and has been part of Powys folklore for more than 20 years.

Nicholas Whitehead plonked the sign on the side of the A44, directing drivers to Terminals 1 and 3 at the airport, in 2002.

But in November last year Mr Whitehead deciding it was time to go ‘legit’ and replace the sign with an official one. He started a crowdfunder, hoping to raise £8,000 to do so.

Hereford Times: The new Llandegley International Airport sign replaces the original one first erected in 2002. Credit Llandegley International Airport The new Llandegley International Airport sign replaces the original one first erected in 2002. Credit Llandegley International Airport (Image: Llandegley International Airport)

It gained national and international attention – featuring on ITV, in The Times newspaper and the Jeremy Vine Show.

While only £2,000 was raised, last month a more authentic-looking sign appeared on the side of the road, built by Cardiff-based Dragon Signs – who make the signs for Llandegley’s sister destination, the genuine Cardiff International Airport.

Since then many people have been seen taking selfies with the Llandegley sign.

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A picture, along with the caption “And we’re back”, appeared on April 21 on the Llandegley International Airport Facebook page – which is followed and liked by more than 4,000 people.

“You did it! Hundreds of you donated to the 'Give us a Sign' crowdfunder,” read a post a few days later.

“Total received (minus gofundme commission) £1,925.94. New sign and poles £828, van hire £214.95, fuel £167.51. Total cost £1,210.46. Balance in airport a/c £715.48.”

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After announcing the crowdfunder back in November, airport chiefs said that any additional money left over would be donated to another air-affiliated association, the Wales Air Ambulance, whose Welshpool base is under threat of closure.

“We said at the start that any surplus funds would be donated to the Powys Air Ambulance (now Wales Air Ambulance),” the post went on.

“Some people were unhappy with the plan because it coincided with the Air Ambulance decision to move its headquarters. We will, however, stick to our original promise."

The sign has become a national treasure since first appearing two decades ago, and news of its return has sent hearts soaring.

Warren Smith said: “Absolutely well done and keep up the great work. One day I’ll be flying from the airport… even if it’s a 350-mile round trip to fly from.”

Scott Davies said: “I passed the new sign a couple of days ago. I stopped and I tried posting a selfie, but interference from the radar at the end of the east runway disrupted my phone signal.”

Maggie Knight added: “Thank heavens for the sign. Touchdown after two months circling, our pilot was guided in by the flash of selfies being taken. Cafe in terminal one serves an excellent bara brith.”

On the Facebook page, ‘passengers’ enjoy updates about Llandegley's impressive environmental credentials, engage in conversation about how many sheep often stray onto the runways, while frequent flyers have been waiting for the ‘top secret’ Terminal 2 to be built longer than Heathrow’s Terminal 5.