A church clock that has not told the time for at least 15 years is finally being repaired and restored to its former glory.

The clock on the tower of the Grade II* listed Christ Church in Bradford on Avon has been taken down for restoration 160 years after it was first installed.

It is being given a timely facelift as part of an ongoing restoration project at the church, which stands in a commanding position on the north side of the town.

Wiltshire Times: The Christ Church clock mechanism will be restored so that it can work again.The Christ Church clock mechanism will be restored so that it can work again. (Image: Becky Strike)

Church spokesperson Becky Strike said: “Those who live in Bradford on Avon, or visit it regularly, will be aware that the clock on the spire of the church has not been working for many years.

“In fact, the clock, originally installed in 1863 at a cost of £175, has not been working for at least 50 years.  

“It could be said that time has really taken its toll. The damage to the clock is not just limited to a broken mechanism and motor, but the dials of the clock were also extremely weathered as they have taken a battering from the elements over the years.”

But with with significant funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund this historic landmark will be restored once again to its former glory.

Wiltshire Times: The outer ring of the Christ Church clock.The outer ring of the Christ Church clock. (Image: Becky Strike)

Skilled engineers from Smith of Derby removed the damaged clock dials and fingers during the first week in September.

Once removed, the sheer size and damage of the clock dials was apparent. Weighing around 70 kilogrammes each, these historic artefacts are an impressive sight to behold and it will take some work restore.

Smith of Derby has been home to clock-making since 1856 and some of the many volunteers who have supported this project with donations intend to visit the company's factory to add some gild to the clock.

Once the intricate and skilled work mending the clock is complete, the dials and fingers will be raised back into place on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 10 and 11, with outdoor celebrations planned to mark this historic moment.

Becky added: “All are welcome to attend, to see the work in action. This is really a once-in-a-lifetime event, so don’t miss out.”

The restoration of the clock is just some of the conservation work that is taking place as part of the Discover Christ Church! project.

You can find out more about the community project on Facebook and Instagram, or by emailing admin@discoverchristchurch.org.uk