RESIDENTS of Over Kellet will hear church bells ring for the first time in seven years in a major restoration project. 

The current bells in St Cuthbert's date as far back as 1499 but according to documents from the Ecclesiastical Law Association the bells have not been rung since the Queen's birthday in 2016. 

The bells have been deemed 'unsafe' because of woodworm. The church was told to not only stop ringing the bells but to take them down as soon as possible to avoid them falling down the tower. 

The current community project in the village is to replace the bells with eight bells from the closed Church Kirk near Accrington. A team of six volunteers from the village have already helped removed the bells from Church Kirk.

Once they have the funds the bells will be refurbished and installed by John Taylor & Co. 

Chairman of the project Nick Ward said: “Not only will hearing this historic sound again give enjoyment to the whole community but we plan to make this a centre for learning to ring bells for children, young people and adults from the surrounding area, whatever their race, religion or culture. Bell-ringing provides an inclusive opportunity to improve physical, mental and social wellbeing as well as a hobby for life, so important at this present time.”

This will also celebrate the village connecting to the B4RN fibre network, which

This weekend residents will also be unveiling a plaque to commemorate the completion of connecting to B4RN after a five-year project. It means residents now have access to the fastest broadband speeds possible.