A major fundraising project has been launched to bring back bell-ringing at a north Norfolk church for the first time since the 1930s.

The plan is to re-hang the derelict six bells in the tower of All Saints Church in Upper Sheringham.

This would enable traditional English full circle bell-ringing to take place once again. The bells have not been rung like this since the 1930s.

The project will involve the bells being removed from the 900-year-old church and taken to Nicholson Engineering of Bridport, Dorset.

A new metal frame will then be made, along with new fixtures and fittings, and the bells will be tuned before returning everything to the church.

The original wooden medieval frame will remain in situ in the tower.

Project co-ordinator Sue Morton said: 'It is so sad that these bells have voices that are no longer heard- with your help we can rectify that.

'The total cost of this project is £75,000. All donations, no matter how large or small, will be greatly appreciated.'

'Full circle ringing of the bells makes a particular sound, and as you can control the bells, you can pinpoint where they strike. There's that fine control.

'They are a complete ring of six bells cast by Thomas Mears II of Whitechapel, London in 1841.

'We hope people share our excitement in the prospect of restoring the only set of bells in the Weybourne group of parishes.'

No target date has been set to raise the money by, but they will be applying for grants from various bodies and holding fundraising events.

In addition, they plan to install a chiming mechanism to ensure the bells can still be sounded joyfully to call the faithful to worship and to celebrate other occasions when no ringers are available.

There will be a chance to learn this ancient art on these beautifully restored bells.

Donations can be sent to Sue Morton, at 4 Linden Grove, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8PD. Cheques to be made payable to Upper Sheringham PCC. Contact them for a gift aid form on 01263 826078 or suejmorton@gmail.com or donate online, at www.gofundme.com/upper-sheringham-bell-appeal.