VILLAGERS in Stoke St Gregory could be forgiven for thinking time has stood still.

The clock on the church tower has been stuck on 8.30 since the early service on Sunday (January 8).

Worshippers were shocked as they heard a "crash like the wrath of God" during the service, according to the village website.

The site says: "During early service on Sunday 8th January, the congregation heard a crash like the wrath of God.

"This turned out to be the heavy clock pendulum falling to the floor when the flat spring from which it hangs finally gave way after very many years.

"Re-fitting a new suspension spring and re-hanging the pendulum are ticklish procedures, so the clock may be stuck at 8.30 for some little time.

"We have a quote for the repair from Cumbria Clocks, and I hope that we can be up and running again in a few weeks.

"Once the pendulum is replaced, there will be a period of regulation while we fine-tune the length to keep good time, so don’t be surprised if the time is a bit out for the first couple of weeks."