DEDICATED volunteers who worked to restore tired historic signposts across Exmoor have been shortlisted for a national award.

The group, of more than 100 people, behind the project to restore the signs in the national park are in with the chance of winning a UK National Parks Volunteering Award 2018.

The awards are sponsored by Columbia Sportswear and it aims to highlight efforts made by volunteers to care for the country's precious landscapes.

Two years ago, many of Exmoor’s traditional cast iron signposts were looking shabby and at risk of falling into disrepair. In response to concern from local communities over the issue, Exmoor National Park Authority teamed up with Heritage Lottery fund and Somerset County Council to fund a project that would recruit volunteers to help restore and refurbish them, and trace their history.

Project leader, Charlotte Thomas, from Exmoor National Park, said: “More than a hundred volunteers have contributed to this project, helping with everything from the initial surveys and historical research, to actually painting and refurbishing the signs. We’ve even had people coming forward with bits of old signpost found in outbuildings that are now back in their rightful place, saving hundreds of pounds in restoration costs. Being shortlisted for this award is a great way of celebrating all that’s been achieved by these wonderful volunteers.”

The judging panel this year was made up of the volunteer coordinators from all of the National Parks.

A spokesman said: “Judging these awards is a humbling experience as it gives us the opportunity to learn about so many people and projects that are making an immense contribution to the 15 National Parks across the UK. It was a difficult choice this year as there were so many inspiring entries. We’d like to congratulate those who have been shortlisted and thank everyone who is volunteering to help our staff.”

The winners will be announced on November 17 2018.