WHEN the bells rang out to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, it had a special meaning for ringers at a Darlington church.

It was the 100th full celebratory peal rung on the bells - the first one was in 1893.

The session took place at the weekend in St Cuthbert's belfry, which dates back to the 14th Century.

The day went so well that the bell-ringers are already planning their next event.

Tower captain David Roberts said: "The band who rang the peal were mainly St Cuthbert's ringers with a guest conductor and one former St Cuthbert's ringer.

"The peal, over three hours, involved ringing the full 5,040 possible changes on the front seven bells with the tenor finishing each change and providing structure and rhythm.

The bells were rung 200 years ago for the actual Trafalgar Victory - when St Cuthbert's had only six bells.

Mr Roberts said: "The next big celebration on the bells will be on November 5 to celebrate 400 years since the gunpowder plot was thwarted.

"Records indicate the bells were rung 400 years ago for this and every year thereafter for about 300 years. It was only about 100 years ago this custom died out."