A CHURCH’S historic clock - which congregation members believe is in grave danger of being lost for good unless urgent repair work is carried out - is the subject of a fundraising mission.

St Paul’s Church, in Monk Bretton, has a cast iron skeleton dial with opal glazing within the frame.

The clock was originally created to ensure that local miners arrived at work on time and since its installation in 1894, the clock has provided the local community for 129 years, approximately 46,800 days.

On its last service, the clock was found to be well-worn and some parts in danger of breaking up.

Gwyn Rees, a member of St Paul’s parochial church council, set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page, hoping to raise the funds to have the clock repaired.

“Sadly, these many years of working have taken a toll on our clock and it is now in desperate need of renovation,” Gwyn told the Chronicle.

“Without which, the clock will no longer chime for Monk Bretton.

“We are now at risk of losing part of the history of our church and community.

“St Paul’s clock will soon be switched off and will no longer chime across the village, unless we can all come together and keep our history alive.”