But when the Dereham town marker on the A47 is replaced, it will mention neither of them - much to the sadness of many.

The sign gave the name of the town as 'East Dereham' and also identified one of its twins as being in 'West Germany'.

The town formed a partnership with Rüthen in 1983. (Image: Archant 2016)

But the 'East' was dropped from Dereham's name in 1991, the year after Germany was unified and West Germany was no more.

The sign, with its historical and geographical peculiarities, was a fond fixture on the road for decades until it was stolen in January.

It is finally being replaced, but will no longer reference ‘East Dereham’ and will now read solely ‘Dereham’ - in line with the majority of other signs around the town.

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Many in Dereham have mourned this change and the loss of a connection with the past, while reacting to the news online.

Sarah Lois said: “All our traditions........

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