THE clock is ticking for an inspirational community as it strives to find the final funds for a groundbreaking scheme.

People in Millom, Haverigg and the surrounding area have collected £10,000 in just four months in a bid to get Millom's town clock chiming again.

They are now just £1,000 short of their target of £11,000.

Huge amounts of generosity and sheer determination have seen this small community raise a colossal amount of money to help restore the iconic landmark to its former glory.

Deputy mayor of Millom, Angela Dixon, is astounded by the success of the campaign. She said: "I can't wait now. If it wasn't for the community we wouldn't have been able to do this.

"People in Millom, Haverigg, Silecroft and even Broughton have been donating money."

Four months ago Millom town councillor Ged McGrath embarked on a campaign to raise £11,000 in time to get a new clock installed by New Year's Eve.

Now, Cllr McGrath and his loyal team of volunteers hope to raise the remaining £1,000 in just two weeks.

He said: "By hook or by crook we will get this clock installed by New Year's Eve.

"We had a dream of getting it ready for New Year's Eve and at first we thought it was a bit of a pipe dream but the community has been brilliant.

"No-one has handed this to us on a plate. The community has made it happen and it's their clock. No-one will dare take this clock off them again."

Cllr McGrath believes that as many as 500 individuals and businesses across the Millom area have donated to the cause, including Millom Freemasons who recently donated £1,000.

In an effort to raise the final amount, members of the Millom Clock Fund steering group are urging people across the area to dig deep as they begin their Coppers for the Clock campaign.

Residents are being asked to scour their homes and cars, shake out their old handbags and coat pockets and bring any loose coppers or unwanted foreign currency to Millom post office.

Cllr McGrath said: "It's that pot that everyone's got at home that no-one does anything with and holiday money too.

"We've managed to raise £10,000 in four months so £1,000 in two weeks is do-able. We're 90 per cent there."

The deputy mayor added: "There's got to be £1,000 lying round Millom somewhere. It might only be a couple of quid to you but it soon adds up."

Members of the steering group are delighted to have reached their target in a matter of months and are excited at the prospect of seeing the clock installed in just a few weeks.

Cllr McGrath said: "Some people in the town have got old memories of the clock but the children in the town have never heard it chime and they're the ones who will see the biggest difference."

Cllr Dixon added: "It's going to be absolutely magical. It was a big ask at the time but it came to fruition. It will put the heart back into the town."

<strong> Related content: Millom timepiece appeal clocks up thousands of pounds </strong>

<strong> Related content: Millom's time is coming - thanks to clocktower fundraising campaign </strong>

<strong> Related content: Countdown begins in bid to get Millom clock working again </strong>