A VICTORIAN longcase clock made by a Winsford horologist has been donated to the local community.

Clock and watchmaker James Blackhurst was born in Weaverham in 1819 and was the son of a clockmaker.

He set up his own clock-making business in Delamere Street, Over, in the 1840s, where it continued until the 1880s.

The painted clock dial is marked 'Blackhurst, Over'.

Judith Kittle, from Winsford, bought the clock around 10 years ago, but sadly died from cancer in February.

Her family has kindly donated the clock, which is about 160 years old, to Winsford Town Council.

The clock is currently in Winsford Library but will eventually be displayed in the heritage room at the Brunner Guildhall when the building is restored and open to the public.

Judith's son Matthew is a clock restorer.

His wife Julie said: "When Judith bought the clock it wasn't working but Matthew fully restored it to its former glory. He repainted the dial, repaired all the movement and got it working.

Northwich Guardian:

The painted clock dial is marked 'Blackhurst, Over'

"We decided that rather than sell it we would donate it to the council so it could be shared with the people of Winsford. We would like it to remain in the town where it was made.

"Matthew will happily keep it going and working."

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Historian John Malam, from Winsford, has created a display card to go alongside the clock to explain its heritage.

A longcase clock is often called a grandfather clock. The name was adopted after the song My Grandfather's Clock became popular, written in 1876 by American songwriter Henry Work.