A road sign leading out of Darlington which directed drivers to somewhere that doesn’t exist has been replaced.

The Echo reported last August how the sign, on North Road, pointed motorists to “N’th Aycliffe”.

The only problem was that North Aycliffe doesn’t exist.

The blunder was branded ‘shocking’ and ‘embarrassing’ by some while some questioned how long the mistake had gone unnoticed.

The Northern Echo: The sign directed drivers to the non-existent place of 'North Aycliffe'.The sign directed drivers to the non-existent place of 'North Aycliffe'. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

One furious local said: "That's absolutely shocking. How long has it been like that?"

Another said: "North Aycliffe?? Where's the sign for how far South Aycliffe is?"

But the misspelled sign has now been replaced with drivers correctly being directed to the nearby town of “N. Aycliffe”, or Newton Aycliffe.

The Northern Echo: The road sign has now been corrected.The road sign has now been corrected. (Image: FACEBOOK)

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo and start 2024 informed with 50% off an annual subscription or enjoy 3 months for just £3. Dive into local news and fulfill your resolution to stay updated. Click here.

Darlington MP Peter Gibson said: “I’m pleased to see that the ‘North Aycliffe’ sign has been corrected and replaced with a new sign by Darlington Borough Council.

“Amazing that the wrong sign had been in place for years.”

A source previously told the Echo that the sign, complete with posts, could cost up to £175 to replace.