Neighbours should be there for one another, that’s when good neighbours become good friends, says the theme tune for a TV soap – and it’s certainly true for one Worcester cul-de-sac.

The St George’s Square Residents’ Association has donated £600 towards the £15,000 planned renovation of the broken Victorian at nearby St George's Church in Barbourne.

John Garratt, chairman of the residents' association, said: “The St George’s church clock is a dearly loved part of the square.

“The chimes are part of the fabric of the area and we miss them, so we wanted to help get the clock repaired and restored.”

The 24-inch clock chamber bell weighing 3cwt, which is inscribed 1830, stopped working a year ago.

Michael Silvey, chairman of the Friends of St George’s charity group who are overseeing the repair project, said: “We are very grateful for such a generous donation from our neighbours.”

Experts have told St George’s Parochial Church Council that the mechanism needs a complete overhaul, the clock face re-gilded and an automatic winding and auto regulation system installed.

Supporters aim to raise the raise the funds by individual donations, grants and through the Just a Minute idea, which is urging people to sponsor a minute on the clock for £10.

“We want people to select a memorable time for them, such as when they were born, started school, got married, went on a wonderful holiday or a poignant occasion and tell us in no more than 100 words why that minute means so much to them,” added Mr Silvey.

The church is planning to produce a large book about the project including each story and the name of the sender and will publish each story at friendsofstgeorges.co.uk

For more details or to sponsor a minute with a story of no more than 100 words: write to the treasurer, 2 Ogilvy Square, Worcester, WR3 7LU; email justaminute@friendsofstgeorges.co.uk making cheques payable to The Friends of Saint George’s Church; or visit friendsofstgeorges.vaporum.com

The residents’ association, which began in 2004, meets four times a year discussing mutual matters of concern to the 27 houses in the square and also holds social events including concerts, gourmet dinners and talks with guest speakers.

The group has sorted out residents’ parking in the area and has raised £12,000 towards the £22,000 needed to replace concrete lampposts in the square with old fashioned cast iron lamp standards.