Campaigners turned out to celebrate the return of Wellington’s £10,000 clock at its rightful home after months of controversy and a petition signed by more than 6,000 people.

Dozens of people turned out for the official unveiling of Wellington Community Clock on Saturday, and there were jubilant scenes in the area as town crier Percy Simmonds officially unveiled the timepiece.

The landmark returned to the town’s Market Square after a battle by campaigners and residents who were left furious when it was moved to the town’s new £7.5 million civic quarter this year before being taken away altogether.

The timepiece was installed in the town in 2000 but was taken out earlier this year to allow repaving work to take place in the square.

While it was away, some members of Wellington Town Council wanted the clock to be moved to the new civic quarter.

It was moved there but the proposals sparked a campaign and a petition signed by more than 6,000 people, which saw campaigners spending weekends gathering names from angry residents.

The town council eventually backed down and in May voted to return it to the square.

There were jubilant scenes in Market Square on Saturday when the clock was officially unveiled to the public once again by the town crier Percy Simmonds, who was also at the original ceremony in 2000.

The joint celebration was organised by Wellington Town Council and the Tick Tock Campaign.

Music was played to waiting crowds by the Wellington Town Band.

Among those celebrating on Saturday were Tick Tock campaigner Peter Jones, who led the fight for the return of the clock; Telford & Wrekin Council leader Kuldip Sahota; former Wellington mayor Mary Lewis, who was at the unveiling in 2000; and current Wellington mayor Councillor Lesley Street.

Wellington town councillor Angela McClement said: “It was a very proud day for the people of Wellington.

“There was a tremendous atmosphere. Lots of people were celebrating and we opened a bottle of champagne.

“Kuldip Sahota was there and he pledged after getting into office that he wanted to see the clock returned.

“The square was packed and thankfully it did not rain.

“It was a great day of celebration.”