Repairs to the clock have been put at �164,000

Machynlleth town council has written to Welsh newspapers in the two countries in a bid to raise some of the �164,000 needed.

The 78-foot tall timepiece was built in 1873, but it requires a major overhaul.

It is hoped that the town's link with Owain Glyndwr will spark interest in the clock appeal with people overseas.

So far, it has taken fund raisers three years to accumulate about �20,000 towards the repair bill.

Chair of the appeal fund, Glenda Jenkins, said town mayor Bob Dunn had written to newspapers Beth Nesa, in Australia, and Ninnau, in the United States, asking readers for help.

We hope Machynlleth's links with Owain Glyndwr will spark interest Glenda Jenkins

Mrs Jenkins said: "We thought it would be a good idea to write to the newspapers, but we're not sure how much, if anything, we will raise.

"The town council has pledged to raise �25,000 and so far we've got about �20,500. Another �25,000 is coming from Cadw, although we haven't received Cadw's grant yet."

She added: "We're looking at other grant opportunities too, but we don't want to raise council tax to pay for the restoration".

"We hope Machynlleth's links with Owain Glyndwr will spark interest in the appeal with people overseas".

THE CLOCK'S LIST OF REPAIRS Floor timbers Electrical wiring Remove rooted saplings Remove lichen growth Re-point mortar joints

The campaign to restore the town landmark began three years ago.

The clock was built to celebrate the 21st birthday of Viscount Castlereagh, the son of the fifth Marquess of Londonderry, who lived at Y Plas in Machynlleth.

Two years ago a couple from Hong Kong who visited Machynlleth in 2002 donated �1,000 to the restoration fund.

Mrs Jenkins wrote to celebrities asking them to donate memorabilia which was sold at an auction.