A man who spent thousands of pounds on a fake airport sign in mid Wales has launched a fundraiser with a hope of making his creation “legit”.

For around 20 years, a billboard for Llandegley International has been a landmark on the A44 near the village of Crossgates

The joke was the handiwork of former editor of the Brecon and Radnor Express Nicholas Whitehead, who has spent around £25,000 over the years in the construction and maintenance of the sign.

Since 2002, drivers heading eastwards along the A44 between Rhayader and Kington would see a sign directing drivers to Terminals 1 and 3 of Llandegley International airport - if followed they would simply end up in a field.

After it was reported by the BBC that Mr Whitehead was “bringing the joke to an end” after 20 years, the former editor has now launched a fundraiser to continue the joke and make the sign a permanent fixture.

Mr Whitehead said: “The airport has become firmly established in the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike. The sign is regarded as part of our heritage.

“So now it’s established, it makes sense for the establishment to take it on.

“Until November 2022, the sign lived on an advertising billboard but now we think it’s time to go ‘legit’ and get this thing officially recognised.

“We will ask CADW, Powys County Council and the Welsh Government to sort out the bureaucracy and authorise the erection of a proper sign for the airport.

“But in these times of austerity and cut-backs we will not be asking them to pay for it. That’s where you come in.

“The UK Government website says it costs about £8,000 to erect a sign on a roadside verge.

“So that’s what we’re asking for. Let’s give our favourite airport the sign it deserves.”

The fundraiser has currently raised some £715 of the £8,000 target and can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/a-new-sign-for-llandegley-international-airport