A coastal hamlet has unveiled what is believed to be its first ever village sign – financed with the help of Suffolk painter, Maggi Hambling.

The tiny village of Sizewell – population less than 100 – is dominated by the nuclear power site but residents are keen to show it is also a community with other interests.

Maggi Hambling donated a small painting – called Wave V – which was auctioned off to help achieve the £4,000 needed to get the sign manufactured.

EDF Energy and the Galloper wind farm firm contributed. Money was also allocated from the community budget of local Suffolk Coastal district councillor Ian Pratt.

In terms of local government administration, Sizewell is linked to the nearby town of Leiston. The local council is called Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council.

But Sizewell does not appear on any of the signs at Leiston’s entrances.

The new sign is designed by Jenny Toombs of Benhall. It depicts Sizewell’s role as a fishing hamlet and coastguard lookout, its smuggling history, its importance for kittiwakes and other wild birds and its nuclear role.