GREAT Malvern station's antique clock will be telling passengers the right time again within months after the funding for its restoration was secured.

Clock expert Richard Manning has been commissioned to carry out the work by a mystery benefactor and estimates it will cost in the region of £1,200.

The funding has been guaranteed by Central Trains, who have told Mr Manning they will step in with the money should the present source be withdrawn.

"We're pleased that it's being mended," said Ged Burgess of Central Trains.

"Great Malvern is an historic station. It escaped the worst excesses of 1960s modernisation that left many stations looking pretty awful.

"It has taken a long time but it's important that the clock is not replaced with an electric one because it's in keeping with the rest of the town."

Mr Manning said he was looking forward to getting the clock working again as, in its present state, it was depressingly symbolic of the state of Britain's railways.

"I'm a regular user of the rail network and I know there are plenty of people who use Great Malvern Station to commute to London, Birmingham and Worcester.

"When the clock is sat there not working, it makes you think that nothing's working."

Mr Manning cannot begin work until he has drawn up a "mission statement" detailing exactly how he plans to get the clock down from its brackets.

"It's not something I've ever had to do before, so it's taking some time as I have to look up the relevant law, he said.

"Hopefully, there will not be too much wrong with it and it should be back telling the right time within two to three months."