A CHURCH bell has been restored in time to celebrate the festive season.

The congregation at St Chad's Church at Great Habton, near Malton, raised £14,000 to restore the bell, which dates back to Victorian times.

“It all started with the cross on the bell cote crashing to the ground,” said churchwarden Camilla Tetley.

"It was necessary to lower the bell to the ground and a closer examination showed it was in need of restoration.

“While this was being done the builder noticed the wooden bell cote was rotten in places, not to mention essential repairs needed on the roof and water pipes.”

The bell was sent to specialists in Oxfordshire, and the essential roof repairs started. After 18 months the work has now been completed and the bell rehung.

As well as local fund-raising the church received grants and donations from a number of sources, including the Brunton Trust, Garfield Weston, the Diocese of York, Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust and the All Churches Trust.

Resident Heather Nichols, who also rings the bell, said: "'It’s wonderful to hear it again, and know that it is restored to its former glory.”