A CENTURIES-OLD bellringing tradition at a North Yorkshire church has been secured after an appeal for ringers was answered.

Just a few weeks ago, the outlook seemed bleak for St Andrew's Church, at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, where the bells have been a weekly tradition for more than 460 years.

Dwindling numbers in the belfry looked to be spelling a sound of silence for Kirkby's bells.

Now the ringing crisis has been eased after four newcomers stepped forward with another arriving in June.

Ringing master Douglas Kerr said he was delighted that people had heeded the plea not to let the village bells fall silent after so many years.

"For centuries bells have been heard ringing in the background of other people's lives and we take it for granted. But we are still hopeful that more people will come forward so we can teach them just what to do," said Mr Kerr.

"Really the crisis slowly crept up on us, mainly because of ageing ringers and retirements," said Mr Kerr, who can be contacted on (01765) 658100.