A CLOCK and watch museum launched in Haltwhistle six years ago is facing a race against time to secure its future.

Mr George’s Museum of Time was launched by the Bell family in 2012 to tell the story of horology through the ages.

But the attraction is in danger of losing its spacious premises on Central Place.

Landlord Desire Properties wants to sell up, and the Bells have just weeks to secure the £110,000 needed to buy it.

Diana Bell, who also runs her clock and watch repair workshop from the building, fears losing a base which enables the museum to house large exhibits and offer dedicated areas for viewing and activities.

She said: “We’re a family business, but we don’t make a profit from the museum. It’s self-funded and there is no charge for people to come in.

“We’re a unique museum, and this is a unique building. It has lots of rooms, with high ceilings, and is the perfect layout for what we do here.

“The museum is an asset to the local economy, providing an educational resource and also a tourist attraction.”

The family is now appealing for financial support to help buy the premises, and has vowed to donate the money to charity should it be sold in the future.

Mrs Bell added: “If it was just about the workshop, we could find an alternative. But I fear that if we lose this building, we will have to close the museum which has a fascinating collection of exhibits, many of which have been provided by local people.”

The museum is based on a series of children’s stories Mr George the Clock Man , written by Mrs Bell about her late father, who was a clockmaker in North Tyneside.

John Garrett of Desire Properties said he wanted to give Mrs Bell first refusal on the property.

To donate go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/timeforgeorge/ before August 23, or visit Mr George’s Museum of Time on social media.

Donations can also be made in person at the museum.