CAMPAIGNERS behind an initiative to repair an iconic clock at the heart of Millom are celebrating after securing more than £13,000 to restore it to its former glory.

Members of the community have been delving into their pockets since July to help raise thousands of pounds which will go towards renovating and sustaining Millom town clock in Market Square.

The timepiece fell into disrepair after becoming privately owned in 2001 but a mammoth fundraising effort has secured the future of the clock with vital restoration work set to take place in the first half of 2017.

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Millom town councillor Ged McGrath, chairman of the Millom Clock Trust, fronted the fundraising campaign alongside Christine Lovell and was delighted to see so many people turn up in Market Square on New Year's Eve to hear the clock chime.

He said: "Considering it was absolutely throwing it down with rain there was a great crowd of people in the square all huddled under umbrellas.

"We are over the moon. I get the pleasure of listening to it all day and it's lovely to see customers come into the post office saying they have heard the clock for the first time.

"We were only going to get our town clock back if the people of Millom wanted it and they really have supported that idea."

Millom town councillor Felicity Wilson helped to drum up funds as one of nine trustees for the initiative along with her husband and mayor of the town, Doug.

She said: "We all had that one driving ambition to get the clock working and we have amassed a sum that will ensure the sustainability of the clock for years to come.

"We have not had any funding from any major outside organisations. It has all been raised through local businesses in the town and the people themselves.

"The community have been absolutely superb. People have donated money large and small and have given up their time to help us with our efforts.

"It was a wonderful occasion in Market Square and it was lovely to see it full of happy people that had all been able to work together."

Mr Wilson added: "I've lived here now for 16 years and from what I understand it is quite typical of what to expect from people who live in Millom.

"In this day and age we lose too many of these things so I am happy and proud to have been involved in this effort and I think everybody who contributed should feel that way too."

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Millom prepares for a party of pride

The hands of the clock have already been repainted with the funds donated and a computerised mechanism has been installed to get the timepiece chiming once again.

Further work will be carried out in April later this year with the exterior set to be painted in gold leaf and LED backlights installed as part of the design.

You can donate funds to help sustain the clock for future maintenance work by clicking here.