A CHURCH clock is keeping perfect time once again after specialist equipment was installed.

The 100-year-old public clock at the top of Marske Parish Church, east Cleveland, had become increasingly erratic in recent years, gaining or losing several minutes each week.

But now the clock is back on time after residents raised thousands of pounds to buy an automatic regulator.

The work was carried out by an expert from clock maintenance company Smith of Derby.

However, the fundraisers are trying to find another £350 to cover the total cost.

Ian Stoker, one of the small team of volunteers that has looked after the clock for more than 40 years, said: “We used to adjust it at the beginning and end of British Summer Time and the clock would usually look after itself inbetween.

“However, for the past year or so, one of our team has had to climb the 80ft tower to the clock chamber every ten or 14 days to regulate the clock.”

Now, every hour when the clock strikes, a box of electronics compares the time on the clock with a digital quartz clock.

It then adjusts the speed of the pendulum to keep the clock showing the correct time.

The device will also stop and start the clock to adjust the hour at the beginning and end of British Summer Time.

“We shall watch with interest to see how it copes when the hour changes this weekend,”

added Mr Stoker.

The Reverend Janet Fife, priest-in-charge at Marske, said: “The automatic regulator has arrived just at the right time.

“The last person who regulated the clock has just retired after having had heart bypass surgery and we were struggling to find a replacement volunteer.”

The electronics, which cost £4,600, were funded through the church bell ringers donating £2,500 from fees they earned over many years, ringing bells for weddings.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council contributed £750 from the area management fund, and Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council donated £500.

Local parishioners have donated nearly £500.

However, there is still a shortfall of £350 for the repairs and the church is hoping that generous parishioners or well-wishers will be able to top up the fund.

Contributions can be left in the church or at the vicarage, addressed to Sue Sotheran, church warden, or to church treasurer Mr Stoker.

Alternatively, call 01642- 471662 for more information.