ALTON railway station has seen the welcome return of the 1889 John Walker mechanical clock.

The rehanging ceremony, which took place in the booking hall, was hosted by Stephen Hennell, flagship line manager for South West Trains, and attended by Alton mayor Pam Jones alongside other rail franchise staff and representatives of the Friends of Alton Station.

The Victorian clock had been out of action for around five years, having been moved to Alton some 35 years ago when Wanborough, on the Aldershot to Guildford line, became an unmanned station.

The clock has served in many locations in its career, including London Bridge station. Having last been officially repaired by John Walker in 1956, it is described by Friends of Alton Station member Peter Desmond-Thomas as “a rare survivor” as British Rail replaced mechanical clocks with electric clocks in the 1970s and 1980s.

Paul Gisborne, from the Alton Clock Shop, undertook its repair, after the Friends of Alton Station approached South West Trains about the restoration of the clock.

Although rail franchise chief executive Tim Shoveller was unable to attend, he sent his best wishes for the event to celebrate the clock’s welcome return.