Bells break silence of a village

An ancient trio of church bells are ringing out from a Saxon church in Northumberland for the first time in more than a decade.

There had been fears that the ancient belfry at St Mary the Virgin church in Ovingham would never be used again, because the tower might be damaged.

However, experts were brought in and said the bells could be used.

Church treasurer Simon Harper said it was good news that Advent Sunday could now be celebrated in style.

Mr Harper said: "For the first time in about 10 years we will be ringing the church bells - medieval bells which have not been rung in a long time.

"The fragile state of the supports for the bells are not quite as bad as we thought and we can now ring them - it is very appropriate given that today is advent Sunday."