Some people found the wording of the sign inappropriate

The signs in Larne welcome 12 disabled Iraqi children who are being hosted by the town during the international games in Dublin in June.

Larne Borough Council said it had no plans to remove any of the eight signs in the town.

Service families in the area have said the signs are inappropriate and have called for them to be removed.

Others went a step further by defacing the sign with the words "Ulster says no".

It just beggars belief, quite frankly Bobby McKee DUP councillor

Democratic Unionist councillor Bobby McKee said those responsible should realise that the Special Olympics were for children with special needs.

He said the children would receive the red carpet treatment.

"It just beggars belief, quite frankly," he said.

"I am absolutely certain that these people would not be against disabled children."

A council statement said it was mindful of the genuine concerns of people, but it should be pointed out that this was nationally supplied signage.

It added that as a council it was not prepared to stand in judgment of these young people for whom the World Special Olympics meant so much.