A FOREST landmark has been restored to its former glory in a £13,000 refurbishment.

Newnham's clocktower has been a feature of the village since it was first erected in 1875.

The work was commissioned by Newnham Parish Council to repair water damage to the stone structure and give the tower a clean.

It also gave the opportunity to service the clock including replacing a substantial amount of cabling that operate the chimes.

With the help of a grant from the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust glass windows were also replaced, eroded stone repointed, the top part of the tower's access ladder was replaced with stainless steel and a grassed area at the base replaced with decorative stone.

The work was carried out by Heritage Stone Access, who have also worked on York Minster and Windsor Castle.

Clerk to the parish council Dave Tingle said: "To complete the visual improvements new lighting was fitted by D & A Electrical to illuminate the four faces of the clock and the commemorative stones relating to the original build were re-cut and re-lettered by local stonemason M E Damsell."

Parish councillor Felix Bihlmeier said: "The work is an example of civic pride."

Diana Organ of the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust said: "The clocktower is an important landmark in Newnham and we were delighted to be able to help fund the restoration."