A CHEERY picker or hydraulic platform is needed to help a Cradley church with its clock restoration appeal.

St Peter’s Church is planning to install the old clock from St Luke’s in Cradley Heath onto its tower to help preserve the memory of its now wiped out counterpart.

But the church’s first priority is to confirm if the dial from St Luke’s will fit the clock dial aperture at St Peter’s.

James Brookes, church organist, said: “We require the donation of a cherry picker/hydraulic platform for an hour or two so that we can accurately measure the opening and take details of the stonework.

“We have a template made to get an accurate measurement.”

Anyone who can assist with the request is asked to call the church office on 0121 550 1158.

To restore and install the clock dial is expected to cost around £15,000.

And in addition to approaching external funding bodies for grants, the church has launched its “Just a Minute” Appeal, where, for a donation, people and local businesses can choose a certain minute on the clock dial and write – in no more than 100 words – why that particular minute is important to them.

One sponsor wrote: “23:59 - the end. Our clock was in a prominent position high up on St Luke's Church for all in Cradley Heath to see the time, and I had a good view of it from my office.

“In 2014 the church closed its doors and was demolished – the end of an era.

“Our clock "will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes" to make an awe-inspiring come-back for use by the people in Cradley and to enhance St Peter's, another worthy church in the locality.”

It is hoped that at the end of the project and once the clock is installed, all the contributions and names will be put into a book for future generations.

Entries into the appeal – which can be as big or small as people wish – can be sent to Just a Minute Appeal, Parish Office, 32 High Street, Halesowen, B63 3BB.

It needs to include a chosen clock time in AM or PM, the 100 words, a name, contact email address or telephone number, along with a cheque for the donation made payable to 'PCC of Cradley Parish', with the back of the cheque marked 'Clock Fund'.