WORK has begun to restore the six historic bells of St Michael's Church, Heighington. On Tuesday, the bells were lowered from the church tower.

Three of the bells were cast in 1425 by a founder from York. They are among only a handful of medieval bells still used in the English tradition of change ringing.

A £11,100 lottery grant has been put towards restoring and re-hanging the bells.

Bell ringer Rachel Williamson said: "Over time, the clappers make a dent in the bells which could cause them to crack. Therefore, we have taken them down so that they can be restored and then turned around 45 degrees to present a new surface for the clappers.

"Usually, you cannot see the bells because they are hidden behind the frames and wheels.

"The medieval bells are called Mary, Peter and Paul; the other three which were made in 1883 are Faith, Hope and Charity.

"The lightest bell has an icon of a mother and child on it and it's quite exciting to see them so closely, especially as it might be another 100 years before they come down again."

People are invited to see the bells at ground level. There is a wine and cheese evening at the church tonight at 7.30. Tickets are £5, available on the door. The bells will also be on view tomorrow from 10am-noon and on Sunday from 2-4pm. Entry is free.

The bells are expected to be back in the tower by the end of February.