The civic society commissioned a local ceramic artist to make the plaque, to mark the place used as a home by the famous literary family.

The plaque was unveiled at the Woodend Creative Workspace, but it went unnoticed that the word Scarborough had been misspelt.

An exhibition about the Sitwells was also held at the Woodend Creative Workspace to mark the end of Civic Society Week.

Adrian Perry, chairman of Scarborough and District Civic Society, said: "We commissioned the ceramic artist to produce three Heritage Trail plaques, for the Richard III Wall on Castle Road, the Sitwell plaque at Woodend and the Spa Cliff Lift.

"The artist produced the original Heritage Trail plaques back in 1984 so understood exactly what was required and did a wonderful job for the society.

"However, the Woodend plaque does have an R missing from the word Scarborough so a replacement plaque will be made as soon as possible.

"It's amazing how many people saw the plaque without noticing the mistake."

Mr Perry added that Civic Society Week had been very successful and he thanked Andrew Clay, chief executive of the Woodend Trust, for allowing them to place the plaque.

The blue plaque forms part of Scarborough Heritage Trail and is part of a joint venture between the civic society and Scarborough Council.

Scarborough's Mayor Cllr Bill Chatt, who unveiled the plaque, said: "We need to recognise these places of importance. These plaques make us aware of the people that have put down the foundations in this borough and made it what it is today."

The exhibition, which was held in Woodend's Sitwell room, was organised by Sitwell Society secretary Jim Bantoft.

He said: "The plaque and the exhibition has brought lots of people to Woodend today, people who are interested in the house and those who are interested in the family.

"I was pleased to see so many people at the unveiling – we wanted people to be able to come and enjoy themselves."