A DESCENDANT of a man who built an iconic town centre clock has returned to see it working.

Michael Potts visited Darlington this weekend to look at various examples of William Potts clocks which are in the town.

He also climbed the tower at St Cuthbert’s Church in the town centre to look at the mechanism of the clock in the steeple.

The clock has just been repaired having been out action for several weeks.

However, the Friends of St Cuthbert’s Church paid more than a thousand pounds to get the clock working again.

William Potts was born in Salt Yard, Bondgate, in Darlington and founded the clock firm which eventually moved to Leeds.

There are thought to be around 1,600 examples of Potts clocks and at least one in every country in England.

As well as St Cuthbert’s Church, examples in Darlington can be found at Morrison’s, ED Walker Homes and South Park where there is a William Potts memorial.

Yesterday, Michael Potts, who lives on the Wirral, said: “This is the first time I’ve ever seen the mechanism for this clock, it;s very interesting.

“It’s nice to come back to Darlington to see where it all began.”

Mr Potts, a retired accountant, first became interested in the family clock business when researching his family history and has gone on to write a book on the subject He is returning to the town on October 4 to give a talk to the Friends of St Cuthbert's in the church at 7.30pm. The talk is free to members and £5 for visitors.

For more information on the friends contact secretary Paul Gilmore on 01325-257991.