Council House clock chimes again after restoration

The smaller bells were rotated and Little John had major bolts replaced

The clock at Nottingham's Council House is chiming again after a £60,000 restoration project.

Work to service the clock and bells - including the 10.5 tonne Little John bell - for the first time since 1978 started in September.

The clock, which was installed in 1928, was entirely stripped down, with each of its 1,195 separate parts inspected and, if necessary, repaired.

Bolts securing the Little John in place were replaced, and the four quarter bells were rotated during the restoration.

The clock was restarted at 12:00 GMT on Friday.

Wayne Francis hoped the work would keep the clock running for another 100 years

The work also included repairs to levers and worn gears, as well as the refurbishment of the gearbox and a full repaint.

Electrical and motor systems were also overhauled for improved reliability.

The centre cross of the clock dial received a first layer of gilding, with a final coat to follow once the weather improves.

Wayne Francis, the director of Clockwise Restorations, said: "The need for the work had been building up over a few years.

"We were having erratic time keeping and the chimes going out of sequence and we also realised the clock was coming up for its 100th anniversary.

"This was an opportunity to come up with a plan to restore the clock to full original condition."

The clock is nearing its 100th anniversary

Jay Hayes, the city council's executive member for housing and planning, said: "Little John and the Council House clock are a proud part of Nottingham's skyline and our city's identity.

"This restoration ensures the clock will continue to chime reliably for another hundred years and beyond.

"Huge thanks go to the skilled engineers and our in-house teams who've brought this historic mechanism back to life."