I REMEMBER some years ago reading advice given to tourists visiting Yorkshire.

It counselled against becoming over familiar. It went on to say that it was not wise to make assumptions – even if a resident appeared to smile it could simply be a case of trapped wind.

Even so, the visiting bell ringers from southern England can hardly have expected the reception they encountered in Sharow, near Ripon, which ended by them being imprisoned in the belfry.

Campanology is not normally viewed as a hazardous hobby, but any groups of visiting enthusiasts, particularly to Yorkshire, would in future be well advised to brush up on survival skills.

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland.