THINGS are ticking over nicely again at a business centre, after time stood still for more than seven years.

The clock above Pennywell Community Business's (PCB) premises, in Sunderland, stopped working in 1994, six months after the centre opened.

But it is back in working order after the organisation, which helps people to find work and training, finally had it repaired.

John Tulip, general manager at Pennywell Community Business, said: "The PCB clock is a symbol of the organisation.

"When it stopped we planned to fix it straight away, but as is the case with things like this we never seemed to get round to it.

"We have always had people asking us why the clock wasn't working and finally decided it was time to get it fixed.

"So here we are over seven-and-a-half years after it stopped, with a fully working clock."

He added: "It has taken over seven-and-a-half years, but we've finally got there and are proud to show it. This time we're convinced the clock will keep ticking."

The centre management is so pleased to have the timepiece in good working order again that it plans to illuminate it.

Pennywell Community Business, which is funded through the Single Regeneration Budget, has helped more than 1,500 residents of the Pennywell estate to find work.

The centre also has 30 units for people starting their own business and offers low rents and a business support service to help fledgling ventures get off the ground.