IT has kept things ticking along at Bromley Cross Train Station for more than a century, taking pride of place on the platform.

Now, rail enthusiasts are trying to ensure the historic public clock continues to serve generations to come.

Bromley Cross resident Simon Pearce is campaigning to get it special protection, along with the station building and distinctive signal box.

He has spent nine months collating evidence which he sent to English Heritage, which champions historical landmarks and aims to preserve them.

Its officials visited the station in September and is now considering whether to grant grade two listed status to parts of the station, parts of which date back to 1859 and the signal box to 1875 — but Network Rail, which owns the building, is considering closing the signal box in 2019.

But if Mr Pearce's listed status bid succeeds, Network Rail would have to keep the buildings in good shape and developers would find it harder to make any changes to them, the clock or their surroundings, under strict planning laws.

The traditional clock is one of the last of its kind in the North West, with its old-fashioned Roman numerals. It is at the centre of a weekly ritual, when the station master must climb a pair of step ladders and wind it by hand.

Mr Pearce, of Lower House Walk, said the clock dates back to at least 1912, though there are some references to it in heritage books dating back to the late 19th century.

He said: "After the sad loss of the Volunteer Inn earlier this year, it's very important that we do all we can do preserve the heritage of the area and this is an iconic feature of Bromley Cross." He thanked Bolton Civic Trust and The Victorian Society for writing letters of support to the bid.

English Heritage says it is assessing the station building, including the clock, and signal box. It could take six to nine months for a final decision.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "We have worked with English Heritage to assess more than 800 signal boxes nationally and many were listed to preserve them for the future. 

"We will continue to work with English Heritage whenever necessary."