AN appeal to restore six bells in a village church has been given an £11,100 boost.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded the money to St Michael's Church, in Heighington, as part of its restoration campaign.

The church, a Grade I-listed building, dates back to pre-Norman times and is home to six bells, three of which were cast in 1425 by a founder from York.

They are among only a handful of medieval bells still used in the English tradition of change ringing.

The grant will be put towards restoring and rehanging the bells.

During the restoration project, people are invited to visit the church to see the bells at ground level.

There will also be a wine and cheese evening at the church on Friday, November 19, at 7.30pm.

The bells are expected to be back in the tower by the end of February.

A flower festival has also been planned for May to coincide with a rededication ceremony.