THE bells are set to ring once more at a historic Barnoldswick church after a donation of £67,000 from fundraisers.

Members of the local community and two bell ringing associations joined forces to raise the money for St Mary le Ghyll Church.

It will be used to refurbish three original bells, which were put in place in 1723, and to pay for three new bells.

They will be mounted and re-installed this summer before a ceremony conducted by the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Rev David James.

The Ghyll Ringers, which promotes bell ringing in West Craven, said the project was originally going to cost £58,000, but inflation and the rising cost of bell metal had now put the price tag at £67,000.

In addition to donations from residents, the Lancashire and Yorkshire Associations of Change Ringers have each provided £14,500.

Each organisation will have their name inscribed on one of the new bells.

The vicar, the Rev John Lancaster, said local support had been vital because the church had been turned down for grants by three different national organisations. He added that the three original bells have been re-tuned slightly to give them perfect pitch.

He said: “We are now in position for the jobs" target="_blank">work to be completed.

“The sixth bell is going to be cast in June and we’re hoping the bells will be back in the tower by August.

“These projects tend to take a lot of time, but it is a tremendous testimony to the local community that the money has been raised so quickly.

“There’s no reason why they shouldn’t last for another 300 years.

Mr Lancaster also looks after Holy Trinity Church in Barnoldswick and Bracewell Church.

He said: “It’s a fascinating art form. People who go for stress-busting should take up bell ringing. It’s a wonderful thing.”