Bells safe to sound after long silence

The bells are in a "cage" which was built in 1531

The church bells in the village of East Bergholt in Suffolk rang at midnight on New Year's night after more than two years of silence.

The bells of St Mary the Virgin had to be stopped 30 months ago after two ringers were hurt in an accident.

Church officials raised £35,000 to complete safety modifications before safety experts agreed the bells could ring out once more.

They are thought to be the only church bells in the UK rung by hand - ringers stand alongside the bells in a "cage" and push.

The bells have been rung in such a fashion for nearly 500 years.

The Reverend Sharon Swain said: "We are absolutely delighted to have the bells back.

"The church, together with the parish council, bellringers and East Bergholt Society have worked tirelessly to reach this exciting position."

Paul Ireland, captain of bells, said: "There is nowhere else in the country that rings bells in this way. People come from all over the world to see them."