AN east Cleveland landmark could be in line for a makeover thanks to a possible bid for National Lottery cash.

The King Edward VII Memorial Clock, in Redcar, is the focal point of the town centre, but has fallen into disrepair since vandals broke in and damaged the motor for the dials, in December 1998.

A recent safety report also showed that the interior of the building was unsafe, needed urgent repairs, and had become another victim of the pigeons that descend on the High Street.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council wants to see the clock fully restored, although the cost is estimated at about £60,000.

At a meeting of the council executive yesterday, councillors approved plans to apply for heritage grants and National Lottery money to carry out the restoration work.

The council's leader, Councillor David Walsh, said: "I certainly think we should maximise all external funding sources to bring it back to its Edwardian glory and I think we should contact the local MP, Vera Baird, to see if she would take a patron role on this."

Mrs Baird said: "The clock and the lifeboat are symbolic of Redcar and I will do all I can to support any moves to maintain it and restore it."