Visitors to Riverton will be able to catch a wave before they even reach the beach with the addition of a new sign welcoming people to the seaside town.

The sign features six-year-old Corbyn Freeman surfing and features the motto "Welcome to Riverton where everyone gets 

a wave".

Corbyn was the winner of a competition held by the Southland District Council (SDC) that asked entrants to submit photos they best through summed up Riverton.

Riverton/Aparima Community Board chairman Blair Stewart said the sign perfectly showcased Riverton as a beach town and also showed off another classic outdoor activity

in a game of cricket.

"It's great to have it up and it looks really good. It depicts Riverton. The beaches, the surfers, the colourful changing room and beach cricket."

Mr Stewart said the sign had gone through six to eight months of planning, with the SDC formally approving the proposal in a meeting at the end of May. He said the sign would help sell Riverton as a beach town with people automatically picturing it associated with beaches and surfing.