STAFF at the Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office have found documentary evidence to prove the tiny hamlet Tiddleywink dates back at least 120 years.

The hamlet, consisting of a handful of cottages near Yatton Keynell, was put back on the map recently when Wiltshire County Council put up two signs proclaiming its name.

Despite being a hamlet for more than 100 years, Tiddleywink has been omitted from maps and postmen are frequently left scratching their heads in confusion as to where it is.

Then four years ago, the hamlet's road sign was knocked down in an accident and never replaced, until a campaign by residents persuaded the county council to put the signs back.

The surge of interest in the village prompted members of staff at the record office in Trowbridge to undertake some research.

They discovered that Tiddleywink became formally recognised as a place name some time between 1871 and 1881.

In the 1881 census 28 residents are listed.

Tradition has it that one of the residents used to sell beer to passing cattle drovers and the name Tiddleywink is derived from 19th century slang for an unlicensed beer house.

Resident Denis White, 79, who has lived in Tiddleywink for 25 years, said the new signs had caused a flood of interest in the hamlet.

"I think it has renewed our sense of identity," he said.