A SET of church bells are chiming again, after being silent for eight years.

The chimes of Emmanuel church, Saltburn, were silenced because nearby residents won their appeal for a night's sleep.

But its vicar, the Rev Ian Patterson, thought it would be nice to restore the chimes in a quieter way, to commemorate the millennium.

The parish council was approached to head an appeal, but although they agreed it was an excellent idea, they thought it more fitting to have a town-inspired appeal. After all, the clock in the church tower had been bought by public subscription nearly 100 years ago to commemorate the reign of Queen Victoria.

Thanks to Saltburn's tradition of self-help, funds came flowing in and more than covered the cost of the chiming mechanism.

A delighted Mr Patterson said Saltburn's attitude had certainly shone through. The response had been amazing.

The bells now chime the quarters between 8am and 8pm