THE BELLS will be ringing again this Sunday at Durham's St Nicholas Church after more than 20 years of inactivity.

Fears over the structural safety of the church tower, given the vibration of nearby traffic, led to the six bells remaining silent in recent years.

But after examination last year by both a bell expert and a structural engineer, and following restoration and replacement work to the bell fittings, St Nicholas' band of 13 ringers are preparing to swing back into action.

Following a special service of thanksgiving, a peal of the St Nicholas' bells will be heard again on Sunday afternoon.

The service runs from 4.15-4.45pm, after which the bells in the newly refurbished ringing room, will resound around the city centre once again.