A CLOCK tower designed to collect vital funds for destitute children is to be unveiled at a Newport shopping centre next month.

The seven-foot-high clock will encourage shoppers to donate funds to Rotary charities at the Kingsway shopping centre from November 30.

The structure will feature a helter-skelter-type mechanism, letting children and parents put coins into it before seeing them slide down it and emitting a steam-engine sound.

The funds will help support Rotarians in Newport, who assist pensioners and children in the city and developing countries.

Kingsway shopping centre boss Michael Hine said: “We thought it would be a good opportunity to have a clock in the centre and at the same time raise funds for local charities.

“I am pleased to be able to host it.”

Students at Newport High School in Bettws Lane, Bettws, have helped to build the clock.

The creation will be assembled around a pillar in the middle of the shopping centre near the Bodycare store off John Frost Square.

Design and technology teacher Mark Van Ek, 32, said: “It was a very valuable experience and the students took great pride in building the clock.”

Several Rotarians, including the former head teacher of Newport High, Derek Fisher, also worked on the project.

The contributors include designer and architect Lyndon Bowkett , professional painter Carole Parker, John Griffiths, who is working on the clock signs and lettering, and

Gordon Collins, of Coleg Gwent, who is responsible for the clock’s electronics.

Mr Fisher, 78, said: “I think it will be quite an outstanding piece of equipment, which will be very eye-catching.”

Newport mayor Cllr Cliff Suller is to unveil the £1,000 clock at the shopping centre with dignitaries on November 30.

Mr Fisher said the donations would further the work of Newport Rotarians, who help disadvantaged pensioners and children in Newport and Africa.

The Rotary clubs of Newport have worked on projects to eradicate polio and give basic meals to children in the third world.

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