THE sound of new bells could be heard ringing out over a Worcestershire village for the first time in nearly 200 years.

St Mary’s Church in Kempsey, near Worcester, has recently received two new treble bells which were cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundary in London.

More than £40,000 was raised to allow the project – which has increased the number of bells from six to eight – to go ahead.

The latest additions were hung in time for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the first full peel took place on Sunday during the village’s fun day.

Henry Morris, tower captain, said: “I have been bell ringing for 60 years and in all that time, everyone has said that the existing six bells would make a wonderful eight.

"The villagers are absolutely delighted. It’s quite an event.”

The new bells are the first for St Mary’s for nearly two centuries – the last bell to be installed was a tenor in 1821 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s reign.

The first bell to ring out from the church was the sanctus bell, which dates back to 1587 and the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Four more bells were added by 1686 and one of the newest bells has been dedicated to the Diamond Jubilee.

The church is still raising funds towards the project and anyone who wishes to donate can do so by visiting stmaryskempsey.org.uk