Just the tick-et! That’s the reaction from delighted appeal organisers after a drive to raise funds to repair a Hitchin school’s landmark tower clocked up more than £7,500.

The Comet: Harrison, Hollie, Neo, Christina, Dianna all 8Harrison, Hollie, Neo, Christina, Dianna all 8 (Image: Archant)

The success of the ‘I Love Hitchin’ bag project in aid of Wilshere-Dacre Junior Academy means that the Fishponds Road school’s 80-year-old clock tower can now be repaired.

Nearly 2,000 bags were snapped up by buyers keen to back the appeal.

Driving force Faye Silver said: “It’s important to thank everyone who bought a bag, and the superb support given by our wonderful Parents of Wilshere Dacre, known as POWA.

“We must also thank all our sponsors who have distributed the bag. We couldn’t have done it without their help.

The Comet: William 8, Faye Silver, and Mia 8, in front of the clock towerWilliam 8, Faye Silver, and Mia 8, in front of the clock tower (Image: Archant)

“The success of the bag is also testament to the fantastic community spirit we have here in Hitchin. Thanks also to the Comet for supporting us, too.

“It’s been hard work but we’ve raised around £7,500 with a few more pledges to tot up.

“It’s amazing to think people have been asking my advice on how to produce their own version of the bag for charitable causes up and down the country.

“We produced 1,500 white I Love Hitchin bags, along with 250 limited edition black ones. There are still a few out there, but it will be a bit of a treasure hunt to find them!

The Comet: 'Scotland' Class with town centre manager Keith Hoskins, Faye Silver & head Sarah Smith'Scotland' Class with town centre manager Keith Hoskins, Faye Silver & head Sarah Smith (Image: Archant)

“We’d love to see even more people tweet pictures @HitchinBag of the bag in unusual locations around the world.”

Wilshere Dacre head Sarah Smith added: “We can’t thank the Hitchin community enough for all their support, including everyone who bought an I Love Hitchin bag. Thanks also to Faye Silver and the team from our PTA who worked so hard.

“We’re very lucky at Wilshere Dacre to have such an incredible PTA – it’s got to be one of the best in the country.

“To have raised more than £7,500 and counting is outstanding. We’ve now scheduled a builder to come and restore the tower and upgrade our clock next Easter.

“The tower was built in the 1930s but the clock was only installed in 1989. If anyone knows why the clock only has three faces we’d love to know.

“Our target was £10,000 but we will make up the shortfall through our school budget – although we may be able to apply for a small grant from Councillor Judi Billing’s county locality budget.”

Councillor Billing said: “I’m more than happy to help Wilshere Dacre and this project through a grant from my locality budget and would encourage them to apply.”