HISTORIC church bells will soon be ringing again in an East Dorset village following a £20,000 restoration project.

The six bells at St Michael and All Angels Church, Gussage St Michael, were lowered in January for the first time in almost a century.

Bellringers hoped the repair work would be complete by Easter but the Council for the Care of Churches opposed having the bells retuned because of their age. One dates to 1608.

Spokesman Peter Bending said: "We felt that as they only come down about every 100 years we should be allowed to tune them. They are part of the church's history. We appealed and eventually the chancellor at the Salisbury Diocese allowed us to have them tuned."

Specialist engineers spent two days rehanging the bells and villagers will be able to hear them ringing again next Sunday when a special rededication service has been arranged.

Mr Bending said: "Most people are saying they are looking forward to hearing them once more, although I think a few haven't missed them."

The bells are usually rung before the monthly family services and at special occasions including weddings and at Christmas.

To coincide with their restoration, Mr Bending said it was hoped to hold an open evening to encourage more bellringers, especially youngsters, to join the team.

The project was made possible thanks to a massive fund-raising effort by parishioners. As well as a generous donation from the Parochial Church Council, fund-raising events included successful open gardens, Christmas bazaars, coffee mornings, lunches and a grand draw.

"People came from all over to support us. We are only a small parish so it's been a tremendous help," added Mr Bending.

First published: September 13