THERE are small, insignificant spelling mistakes - and then there are total howlers.

Jane Austen’s House Museum has been in contact with Hampshire County Council to point out that they’ve spelt the name of one of the world’s most famous authors wrong on a signpost to her home.

The writer opted for “Austin” – as in car and the capital of the US state of Texas – rather than the correct “Austen”.

Hampshire County Council were clearly having an off day, as the spelling of the village of “Selborne” on the next door sign is also wrong, over-endowed with an extra “u”.

You can’t help wondered how Mr Darcy would have felt if someone mistakenly changed his name to “Mr Arcy”.

Museum worker Madelaine Smith said: “It is one of those names you shouldn’t spell wrong.

“The council has been really helpful and really lovely,” she added.

A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said: “We’ve clearly made a mistake here and thank Madelaine Smith for pointing this out.

“We’ve made arrangements for the sign to be replaced as soon as possible.”