London hears Big Ben chimes again

An electric system kept the clock ticking during maintenance work

The world famous Big Ben has chimed again after a seven week silence was imposed due to maintenance work.

The bell at Westminster Palace in central London was heard again on Monday at midday.

The works included the replacement of bearings that sound the chimes on the hour and every quarter of an hour.

The 13.5-tonne bell is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the man who was Commissioner of Works when it was installed in 1859.

An alternative electric system kept the clock ticking while the work was taking place.

The restoration programme has been carried out prior to the clock's 150th anniversary in 2009.