THE bells of a village church rang out for three hours in a rare event marking 150 years since their installation.

To celebrate the milestone anniversary at St Mary's Church, in Gainford, County Durham, a group of expert bell ringers undertook the significant task of ringing a full peal on Tuesday (December 29).

It was the seventh time in the history of the current bells that a full peal had been rung - the first time being in 1948 and the last time in 1998.

"It's been fantastic and for the church it's a significant event," said Gainford resident and novice bell-ringer Ron Gowling.

"There are a small, close band of people who are enthusiastic about the church and its traditions and it was extremely satisfying to hear it."

The six ringers took two hours and 57 minutes to ring a peal of Durham Surprise Minor which comprises 5,040 patterns called 'changes'.

Hailing from Darlington, Piercebridge and Tyneside, the enthusiasts have been bell ringing together since the millennium and travel across the country.

"What they do is astonishingly brilliant, it's very difficult and they are dedicated to it," added Mr Gowling. "It's all about technique and timing.

"They request that no one is able to enter as everybody has to keep count and they could lose concentration. They didn't stop for a second."

The six church bells were installed and cast in 1865 by John Taylor, of Loughborough - one of two companies in the country who continue to cast today.

Each bell weighs about half a ton with the heaviest weighing 600kg.

Alex Johnston, tower captain at St Mary's Church, said: "There is approximately three tons swinging when they are all ringing.

"It was splendid and a delight to hear them."

Mr Gowling said the bell ringing group at St Mary's Church is currently looking for anyone who is interested in learning the art to join them.