THE times are changing for a clock and watch museum which has relocated from Haltwhistle to Haydon Bridge.

For seven years, Mr George’s Museum of Time was an ever present sight on Haltwhistle’s main street, where it told the story of horology through the ages.

But the museum, and associated clock and watch repair business run by Diana Bell and her family, faced the prospect of closure last summer, when the building it rented on Central Drive was put up for sale by landlord Desire Properties.

Now, after her initial plan to buy the property proved unsuccessful, Mrs Bell has moved the museum and her repairs workshop into the former post office on Haydon Bridge’s Ratcliffe Road.

“We had seven happy years in Haltwhistle,” said Mrs Bell. “It’s only because of circumstances that we’ve had to move, and we are grateful for the support we received from people there.

“We’ve lived in Haydon Bridge for a number of years now, and we know the village well. The old post office is centrally located and we are pleased to be supporting the local community, and offering something a bit different.”

The old post office closed over 15 years ago, when the service moved into the neighbouring Co-op store.

Village postmaster Tony Petts continued to live on the premises, and used the shop floor as an art studio.

Following his death in 2013, Mrs Bell bought the property for use as her family home. Last month, she was given the go-ahead to move her venture into the old shop and sorting office.

The museum is based on a series of children’s stories written by Mrs Bell about her father, who was a clockmaker in North Tyneside. It offers activities for children, and also sells gifts and novelty items.