A RARE glimpse of some of the North-East's most famous bells was given at the weekend.

Durham Cathedral's ring of ten bells was on view as the bell tower and belfry was opened to the public.

Members of Durham Cathedral Guild of Bellringers took visitors up 325 steps to the ringing room in the main cathedral tower.

People were shown the ringing chamber and the belfry, and given a demonstration of bell ringing.

The weight of the bells varies from the 6-cwt (hundred weight) treble bell, to the 28-cwt tenth bell, also known as the Bell of St Cuthbert, formerly the Galilee Bell, which dates from 1693.

The cathedral did not have a bell tower in the 1090s, but the central tower and two western towers were built between 1104AD and 1130AD.

The belfry was added to the central tower, with three bells hung between 1210 and 1300. It was rebuilt after fires in the 15th Century.

Many of the bells were cast in the 17th Century by London bellfounder Thomas Bartlet.

The ring of eight bells was removed by the Whitechapel Bellfoundry, in London, and two new ones were cast, to complete the ring of ten, in 1980.

It provided an opportunity for the 1766 wooden frame to be replaced with steel.

The guild's most experienced ringers ring the bells before Sunday services, from 9.15am to 10am and between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Newcomers are welcome to practice. Phone 0191-386-4266.