THE Friends of St Cuthbert's Church in Darlington had another successful event in the church hall on Thursday.

Dr Liam Temple spoke to an audience of 100 about his research into documents left with Durham University Library by the Poor Clares of Darlington.

The nuns left the town in 2007 after 150 years of living, working and praying at their convent on Carmel Road.

Dr Temple is a former head boy at Carmel School.

As a result of the evening, more than £300 was added to the Clock Appeal – the Friends have now raised more than £5,000 towards their target of £12,000 to help repair and restore the church clock.

"It was lovely to have so many in the audience and we were thrilled to welcome visitors from St Augustine's and Holy Family Churches," said Barbara Brown, Chairman of the Friends. "St Cuthbert's clock is visible to everyone in the town centre and we will all benefit from its restoration."