A campaign to replace Saltaire's modern street signs with period ones has received a boost from an unlikely source - the Alpaca Society of America.

The Alpaca Society, which produces the Official Journal of the Alpaca Owners' and Breeders' Association, got in touch with Saltaire Tourist Information centre last June when it wanted to use pictures from Saltaire Village Society's archives for a feature about the historical village.

Clive Woods, chairman of Saltaire Village Society, told them payment would be in the form of a Victorian street sign and the money was sent on. Now a sign for Albert Terrace will be manufactured at Bradford Council's sign shop in Saltaire Road.

Mr Woods said they also had another eight signs ready to go up.

The campaign to replace the modern signs started about 18 months ago when individuals and businesses were invited to sponsor Victorian-style Prussian blue and white ones at about £75 apiece.

Favoured by Saltaire's founder, Sir Titus Salt, 130 years ago, they were deemed to add to the authenticity of Saltaire.

Mr Woods said he was pleased with the way the campaign was progressing.

"So far we have changed about 40 of the 120 signs. We are doing very well and this donation from the Alpaca Society of America has come in very handy.

"We have also had some residents saying they like the Victorian signs and paying for their own street sign to be changed.

"We've also had the Alpaca Society of the UK use pictures and send payment for a street sign."

The alpaca is a domesticated South American mammal related to the llama and having fine, long wool.

As well as attracting the attention of worldwide publications, Saltaire Village Society is preparing for the launch of its first heritage calendar produced in conjunction with Saltaire Tourist Information Centre.

The calendar, which includes prints from the society's archives, will be launched in April and orders from as far afield as New Zealand and South Africa have already been received.