Time is of the essence for a historic church which needs to raise £13,000 to pay for work which has restored a 150 year old clock to its former glory.

St Gregory’s in Bedale, which dates back to the 12th Century, is asking residents to buy a minute of the church's time to help raise the money. Grids divided into a 24 hour clock are being distributed round the town, with Bedale Primary School and Aiskew and Leeming Bar Primary already starting the fundraising.

Rector Reverend Simon Moor said the community has rallied round to help. A three day festival of flowers is also being held over the August Bank Holiday to raise more money and to mark the 150th birthday.

Specialist repairers had to be drafted in, hanging from ropes for several days, to repair the clock, which has towered over the town since the 1870s. They have also just finished repairing Britain’s most famous clock, Big Ben.

That connection is very fitting as the Bedale clock was originally built by Dent and Co, who were Britain’s leading clock makers, manufacturing the Royal Observatory clock at Greenwich which kept time against all others in the Empire and also building Parliament's Big Ben.

“The did a marvellous job,” said Rev Moor. “It was quite complicated and had to be done in four stages, they even used special outdoor gold leaf for the dial, just as the original one would have had. Their biggest problem was the heat, they did it during that very hot weather and the paint was drying out too quickly. The clock is a real focal point for the town so it was important to restore it.

“Everyone has been very supportive, we have had some money given by local groups and charities. We’ve asked traders and businesses in the town to help us with this clock trail, many will have grids for the fundraising and displays in their windows. They’ve all agreed to get involved.”

In the meantime the church wants to find out more about the clock, how much it cost, how the money was raised and people’s memories of it. For information contact the church on 01677 425985, or 07949 006681, or speak to the wardens.