The new owners of an historic Weymouth town centre building have gifted an old pub sign to a family - in exchange for a donation to help tackle food poverty.

As reported, DJ Property recently bought the Rectory, a Grade II Listed building in the town centre, formerly home to The Clipper pub.

They have gifted the historic ‘Clipper’ pub sign to Jo Holland as a surprise moving in gift for her parents, Jon and Julie Andrews, in exchange for a donation to Weymouth Foodbank.

READ: Weymouth: Historic Rectory building to be brought back to life

Dorset Echo: The Rectory building in Weymouth was last known as the Clipper Pub The Rectory building in Weymouth was last known as the Clipper Pub (Image: DJ Property)

The Clipper first opened its doors in 2010, and was at the heart of Weymouth’s night time economy.

Despite The Clipper's closure at the end of October 2013, the pub sign featuring a clipper sailing ship remained on the empty building.

Mr and Mrs Andrews have a special attachment to the Weymouth area, and even named their beloved boat 'The Clipper'.

Each time the family strolled past the historic sign, Mr Andrews expressed his wish to one day claim it as his own.

When they moved to the area, their daughter Jo reached out to DJ Property to purchase the sign as a surprise moving in present for her parents.

READ: Weymouth: Rectory could become Jurassic Coast museum

Dorset Echo: Scaffolding is now in place as a refurbishment is underway at the Georgian Era buildingScaffolding is now in place as a refurbishment is underway at the Georgian Era building (Image: Newsquest)

Touched by her story, DJ Property decided to gift the iconic sign to Jo, in return for a donation to Weymouth Foodbank.

Jo said: “This gift means the world to me and my family. The sign holds such significance to my family and our long standing connection to Weymouth.

"I'm thrilled to be able to contribute to the community in this way, and I'm grateful to DJ Property for their kindness and generosity."

READ: The Clipper pub in Weymouth town centre shut its doors

Mickey Jones, chief executive at DJ Property, said: “Jo's heartfelt connection to Weymouth and her desire to fulfil her father's wish deeply resonated with us.

"We are delighted to be able to play a part in this special moment for Jo and her family, while also contributing to the important work of the Weymouth Foodbank."

The donation to the Weymouth Foodbank underscores DJ Property's commitment to supporting local initiatives.

It also allows the charity to operate out of its warehouse on Cambridge Road on the Granby industrial estate free of rent, saving the food charity thousands of pounds a year.

Jean-Paul Dervley, chair at Weymouth Foodbank, added: “We are incredibly grateful for DJ Property's generosity and support. This donation will enable us to continue providing vital assistance to those in need within our community.”