THE BELL RINGERS of Marske have published a new book describing the history of the church bell and the bell ringers over the last 100 years.

The story of the big fire of 1902 which destroyed the tower and church clock is illustrated with contemporary photographs.

How bell ringing restarted in the 1960s and how the ringers raised the money to replace the bells in the 1970s form the core of the book. Another chapter describes the decade of fundraising activities by the Cleveland Handbell Ringers who were based at Marske church.

The story is brought right up to date with the introduction of electronics to ensure that the Victorian church clock keeps perfect time.

Written by Peter Sotheran, a bell ringer at Marske for more than 45 years, the professionally printed book is illustrated with colour and black and white photographs throughout. The book sells for £3 and is available from the church and from Marske Public Library. Proceeds will go towards essential repairs to the wood and stonework at the top of the tower.

Titled the Bells and Bell Ringers of St. Mark's Church, the book is now on sale at the church and in the Marske and Redcar area.