THE restoration of an historic clock is well under way, thanks to charity donations and a Southend firm.

The Jones Clock, which had adorned the RA Jones jewellers building in Southend High Street since 1890, was removed last year when it started to crumble.

The Echo told in February how the clock would cost £8,000 to repair and a Facebook campaign was launched to raise the funds.

Now, Southend-based Essex Mobile Welding has set up a public Facebook photo album to keep donors up-to-date with the progress.

Writing online, the firm said: “In May 2016, we were contacted by Southend Council to remove the iconic Jones Clock from the high street. Over time and due to the elements the clock had rotted and was deemed to be unsafe.

“The clock was removed and stored whilst a decision was made as to what its future would hold.

“Fast forward to early 2017 and it was decided that the clock, rightfully so, be restored and reinstated to its original position.

“A huge fund-raising campaign took place by Southend residents and with funds from Southend Council the restoration could take place.

“The photos in this album, will hopefully, go some way to illustrating the painstaking restoration as it progresses.”

During the fundraising stage of the project, activists wrote online: “The clock was a well-loved and memorable sight, and also provided a valuable service, advising the precise time at all hours, it was often a meeting point, people agreeing to meet ‘under the Jones clock’.”

View the album at facebook.com/EssexMobileWelding/