It's all systems go for Reymerston's village sign project after an auction of promises piled up an unexpectedly high number of pounds.

Organisers of the campaign to provide what would be the mid-Norfolk community's first landmark sign were slightly disappointed when they saw the turnout for their latest fundraising event, held at Reymerston Village Hall.

But those who did turn up gave generously, bidding for nearly 20 lots that included having someone make a chocolate cake for them, taking them on an evening's sailing, teaching them to knit or giving them some help with designing their garden.

And Carole Worby, who got the village sign project moving, reported this week that the auction had brought in more than �500.

Combined with some �239 raised at a quiz held a while back and as a result of individual donations, the proceeds took the tally well over the organisers' �700 target.

Mrs Worby said: 'I'm amazed that we made so much money after I saw how many people were there.'

Next step in the process will be to finalise the preferred design of the sign ready to go to Breckland Council and highways officials for approval.

Mrs Worby said the parish council had offered to help her team with the planning procedures.

If everything goes to plan, the sign may wellfeature St Peter's Church, one of the autogyros made famous by Reymerston's best-known inhabitant, Wing Cmdr Ken Wallis, and a reminder of the village's farming heritage, all garlanded by primroses – Reymerston was known in days gone by as 'the Primrose Village'.

The hope is that the sign will be in place in a prominent spot in the centre of Reymerston ready for the Queen's diamond jubilee celebrations next year.