A ONCE in a generation exhibition of historic clocks and watches has opened to raise money for a hospital scanner appeal.

The collection of 29 grandfather clocks, nine wall clocks, two table clocks and six watches have all been made or sold in Northallerton spanning 150 years from 1749 – and have been brought together by timepiece enthusiast David Severs.

Mr Severs, a retired chief superintendent with North Yorkshire Police, is a descendent of two Northalleton clockmakers and said it has long been his dream to stage an exhibition to share his knowledge of the timepieces.

The exhibition is at Tennants Auction Centre in Leyburn until Wednesday, October 22, and a charity preview evening was recently held.

Supporters have already raised half of the £2m needed for a new MRI scanner for Northallerton's Friarage Hospital.

Mr Severs said the exhibition has been very well attended so far and has ignited much interest.

“I advertised the exhibition in trade magazines and we have had visitors from Holland and Norway,” he said.

“People know that this is a once in a generation event and clock fans are keen to see them together.

“To have all the Northallerton clocks together is very rare."

He said he know the whereabouts of more than 320 Northallerton clocks, with around 35 from around the world.

“You would never find a collection of clocks that were all so different; there is one with a rocking ship, one with moving moons – so many are intricately decorated and they are all different.

“I used to have to search for Northallerton clocks but now with the internet it is much easier, and people contact me now.

“The last one was from a man in Adelaide, Australia, who contacted me to let me know he had a Northallerton clock – it was one I had bid on 27 years ago but didn’t get it.”

Suzi Campbell from Northallerton's Friarage Hospital said: "It is great that David is supporting us with his fascinating exhibition - we are so grateful for any donations we receive, especially now we are half-way towards our £2m goal."

The event is sponsored by Archers Removals of Northallerton, Barkers of Northallerton and Swinton Park Hotel. York clock dealer Edward Bacon, Northallerton enthusiast, Angus Bell and the Brompton-on-Swale clock restorer Howard Walker helped Mr Severs prepare for the exhibition.

For information go to www.northallertonclocks.info.