Beatrix Potter clock to return to shopping centre

Parts of a Beatrix Potter-inspired storybook clock will return to a city shopping centre after an absence of 12 years.

The Tailor of Gloucester Clock, which was a popular sight at the Eastgate Shopping Centre, Gloucester, was dismantled in 2013 when replacement parts needed to repair it could not be found.

The Pied Piper Appeal has been looking after the clock and taking its parts to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools since then, but the charity will return the clock parts on Friday, ahead of it going back on display on 12 April.

"The response has been absolutely fantastic, we can't believe how much love there was for the clock," said Jason Robinson, centre manager.

When it was in use, the colourful clock would chime on the hour and characters from Beatrix Potter's book, The Tailor of Gloucester, would move.

While Eastgate Shopping Centre's announcement on social media has sparked excitement, the entire clock will not be returning.

Mr Robinson said characters from the clock design would go on display at the top of the escalator on the first floor.

"We've got six of the essential, really iconic parts that are going to be coming back to us," he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

Mr Robinson said that lots of people had already been in touch saying they would enjoy coming to see the clock again.

The display will also include images showing what the clock looked like in its heyday and an explanation of its history.

"Just having those bits back with us will be really nice and we can look to the future and maybe try and get them on a permanent exhibition somewhere," Mr Robinson added.