On buying their first pub Anna and Trevor Woolnough discovered 'nothing is simple or straight-forward' including the history and politics associated with the pub sign.

"The Angel Inn in Grosmont is a much loved and well supported community asset, set in an idyllic spot on the Welsh/English border," says Trevor. "When we bought the Angel, last December we were conscious we had to some extent become not only the pub owners, but trustees with a responsibility to maintain the features the regulars supported; not only the real ale, but also the look and feel of the pub."

The English/Welsh border rivalry in Grosmont creates a brilliant atmosphere, especially when the rugby's on. In fact some regulars claim the 'Angel is the best place to view a Wales game outside the Millennium Stadium' - but the pub sign, an Angel slaying a dragon, was seen by some in the village as an English dig at the Welsh.

"Some people thought it represented the English Saint George slaying the dragon of Wales, but this is not the case," says Trevor. "The sign actually depicts a scene from the bible, Revelation (12:7-9), the Archangel Michael is slaying Satan who has taken the form of the dragon, so a classic case of good overcoming evil."

The sign itself was nearly thirty years old and desperately needed replacing. Through a shear stroke of luck, a conversation with a conservation officer led Anna and Trevor to a local artist who specialised in painting pub signs. When they contacted Laura Stevens about creating a replacement, they were stunned to find she had painted the original sign in 1986, nearly thirty years ago.

"I was just starting out then," says Laura, "and I remember repainting the design on the original board, which was already ten years old. It is amazing the sign has lasted so long.

"We have kept the original design," says Trevor, "but we hope that a better understanding of the real subject matter will lead to a greater sense of inclusion for the wider community. While the sense of friendly rivalry is as strong as it ever was on the borders, we are keen that everyone knows they will receive a warm welcome in the Angel."