MILLOM is preparing for its biggest party in decades as work to restore its clock has finally paid off.

The town square is set to receive a new lease of life after the community raised a total of £15,000 in just five months to restore its iconic clock.

For many years the clock has been a bone of contention in the town as its lifeless face remained frozen in time.

Now, thanks to a dedicated group of individuals and the generosity of the whole town, this wonderful piece of Millom history will chime once again.

Trustee of Millom Town Clock Trust Fund Christine Lovell kickstarted the idea and approached the town council to gain its support.

Delighted to have raised so much money she said: "We've had no outside funding for this at all.

"All the money has been raised by local people and the public. We all feel very proud of that for raising it in such a way."

For the past five months, town residents have been busy raising money by purchasing £5 membership of the trust, buying special badges and donating as much as they could afford.

In the final two weeks, the campaign got down to the nitty gritty as trustees called for residents to donate all their spare coppers.

Finally the town reached its target and, to celebrate, trustees have organised a special unveiling on New Year's Eve.

She said: "The iconic clock stands in the town centre and will be the centre of attention this New Year's Eve.

"Meeting in the town square is a long held tradition for Millom and this year is particularly special as it's 150 years since the naming of the town.

"I can remember as a child my mum and dad walking me down to the square between 11.30 and midnight and we waited with everyone and sang Auld Lang Syne beneath the clock.

"Now we want people to celebrate what they've done and create new memories for their children in the same way I have these memories."

The clock will be tested at 11pm on New Year's Eve and trustees are inviting people to head down to the square for the full festive feel.

One of the trust's 500 members will also be chosen at random to switch on the clock.

As the countdown to the Nnew year begins, Mrs Lovell in inviting everyone to come down and share in the town's success.

She said: "It's just wonderful. Absolutely wonderful, and I'm proud to be part of Millom. I'm so proud of the spirit of the town.

"That clock belongs to Millom people."