THE hunt is on for a missing historic fingerpost arm directing people toward Exmoor’s highest point, Dunkery Beacon.

The iconic signpost, sited at Webber’s Post, is one of about 160 within Exmoor National Park which are being restored by an army of volunteers.

It is one of two fingerposts which the national park authority discovered had been damaged or vandalised in recent years.

The missing cast-iron signpost finger also pointed people to Wheddon Cross, where the famous snowdrop valley is based.

The other damaged fingerpost, which is now in need of need ‘significant repair’, was in Withypool.

National park historic environment officer Shirley Blaylock said a no-questions-asked amnesty was being offered for any missing parts from any of Exmoor’s signposts.

Ms Blaylock said: “The cost of replacing the finger on one these historic signposts is around £1,000 as each one is unique and needs to be specially cast in a foundry.

“If anybody knows where the Dunkery Beacon finger is, please let us know as it can take hundreds of pounds off the cost of repair, even if broken.”

Ms Blaylock said both signposts were highly important and the park authority hoped to raise at least £3,000 through its CareMoor donations scheme to cover ongoing maintenance costs.

She said Exmoor’s fingerposts were a source of local pride and were admired by many visitors.

However, many of them had remained dilapidated and broken until a few years ago when the park authority led a project with Somerset County Council and local volunteers to start restoring them.

There were still at least 20 signposts in need of repair and Ms Blaylock appealed for help from parish councils on the moor.

She said: “Brushford helped cover the repair to a post in their area and we know that parish councils and residents everywhere are as proud of Exmoor’s historic signposts as we are.”

Exmoor volunteer and outreach officer Patrick Watts-Mabbott said: “Donors to the appeal can have the satisfaction of contributing to an important part of Exmoor's heritage, as well as a vital part of our rural road network and local community pride.

“Funds are needed not only to pay local contractors to repair occasional damage and vandalism like this but also to get the specialist paint and safety training for volunteers to work on the highway.

“The volunteer team are key to the repainting and keeping Exmoor’s unique and historical signposts looking their best.”

The fingerpost restoration project was started with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund but the park authority said it now need to ask for public help.

Mr Watts-Mabbott said: “Whether you can help us find missing fingers or finials, donate to the CareMoor appeal, or join our team of volunteers, we wouldd love to hear from you.”

Anybody who wants to help can contact Mr Watts-Mabbott on 01398 323665 or visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/CareMoor.

Somerset is one of only a few counties in England which did not remove its fingerposts when the Government of the day in the 1960s ordered them to be replaced with more modern signage.