AN opportunity for villagers to ring the ancient bells of a small Exmoor church is available on Tuesday afternoon (January 30)

One of the six bells, the tenor, in All Saints’ Church, Wootton Courtenay, was cast nearly 400 years ago and chimes with the church clock.

Parishioner Amanda Elliott said: “Nowadays, apart from the occasional troupe of travelling bellringers, they are seldom rung.

“But that is all about to change.”

Ms Elliott said local campanologist Paddy Parnell had offered to show how to bell ring for any of the residents who might be interested.

She said: “So, if you are interested, come along to the church at 2 pm on Tuesday, January 30.

“You can be introduced to the bells and find out if bell ringing is for you.”

All Saints, which stands in the heart of the village, is a Grade 1 listed building and features an unusual gabled bell tower, the lower part of which dates to about 1250.

The church was completed in about 1450 and is supported by a ‘friends’ group which helps to raise the £20,000 a year needed for its upkeep.