FUNDRAISERS are 'well on their way' to getting the cash needed to restore an historic clock back to its former glory.

Villagers in Rhos are hoping that the Stiwt theatre clock could chime again as the 50th anniversary of the Hafod Colliery closure looms.

The clock chime enabled workers to know the time for their shifts, but has fallen into a state of disrepair since the colliery closure in the 1960's

Since the start of this year theatre bosses have been aiming to raise the £10,000 needed to repair the clock in order to restore it to its former glory.

In January Rhos Community Council had pledged to fund £2,500 towards the work, provided the rest of the funding can be secured.

The clock at the historic theatre in Broad Street, Rhos, has stood silent for about five years but members thought it would be a fitting way to mark the anniversary if the bells could once again ring out around the village.

Rhys Davies, general manager of the Stiwt, says fundraising has been steady so far and they are well on their way to their £10k target, with pupils from Ysgol Yr Hafod in Johnstown the latest to chip in with the proceeds of a non-uniform day at the school.

Mr Davies said: "The students and staff staged a non-uniform day recently.

"The students were presented with a certificate of thanks for raising £172 towards the Stiwt Clock appeal which now stands at a very impressive £2,500.

"Thanks also to the staff and customers of Co-op, Rhos, who have singed up to the Co-op Community fund and have raised £700 towards the clock appeal.

"We are now well on the way to our £10,000 target."

Mr Davies and Brian Jones, a Stiwt board member, have already visited the school to present pupils with their certificates.

For 75 years the Hafod Colliery was the main employer in Rhos and many livelihoods depended on its success.

When production stopped on March 9, 1968, most of the 1,300 men were dismissed or transferred to Bersham or Gresford collieries.

About 200 workers were retained to recover underground machinery before the shafts were sealed.