The first of a planned new series of welcome signs has been erected commemorating the Sister Cities ties.

It means that when drivers along Highway 321 come into Clover they are now greeted with the words "Welcome to Clover, Sister City of Larne, Northern Ireland".

The 36-inch by 24-inch metal sign cost around $240 and features a green border with bold red letters over a background picture of a four-leaf clover.

The first sign was unveiled during a recent visit by representatives of Larne's Ulster American Society, Fred Andrews and Liam Kelly who were in Clover to participate in the 12th annual Feis Chlobhair, the Scotch-Irish festival.

Mr Andrews, chairman of the Larne society and his counterpart in Clover, Wes Spurrier carried out the honour.

"We were driven to the site by the chief of police with full lights flashing. It was great to be invited to take part in the unveiling," said Mr Andrews.

Members of the Ulster American Society in Clover hope the signs will help develop further social and economic ties with Larne.

Wes Spurrier, who had visited Larne as part of a delegation last year which signed the Sister Cities agreement, said there were plans for four new signs at the main entrances to Clover.

Larne Council has welcomed the new signs in Clover, but explained why the new series of signs erected throughout the borough do not include a reference to the South Carolina "twin".

A spokeswoman said: "The Larne Borough Council's boundary signs, which denote the entrance / exit to Larne Borough, include reference to the twinning arrangement with Clover in South Carolina. The council is pleased to learn that Clover has unveiled signs which also indicate the links between the two areas.

"The council has recently erected a number of 'welcome' signs which are designed to highlight tourist attractions along the Causeway coastal route. These were designed according to NITB / Roads Service guidelines and do not therefore include any references to twinning."