SMALL rural churches in Worcestershire are trying to attract more young people to continue the tradition of bell ringing.

Though some larger churches still attract plenty of young people through school trips and public visits, others are finding that they have few bell ringers under the age of 19.

George Morris, the tower captain of St Matthias Church in Malvern said: "While we do have four young bell ringers at St Matthias's there are many other churches in the area experiencing problems attracting youngsters.

"Young people tend to think that bell ringing could never compare with going out to a club in the evening, but it is actually an extremely fulfilling and sociable activity and really good exercise.

"We are always hopeful for new members to join our group."

Churches nationwide have seen a drop in young people taking up bell ringing as other forms of entertainment, like computers and television, have taken over.

David Wood, tower captain of St Andrew's bell tower in Ombersley, said: "In the past we have had some young people taking up bell ringing.

"However, at least six months is required to competently ring the bells as they can weigh as much as three-quarters of a ton.

"We have found that youngsters take up the bells and then leave the area for university or college and never return.

"Currently we do have a group of more mature' ringers. However, we would love to see some new, fresh talent."

For centuries bells across the country have been rung on a Sunday morning and at special events such as weddings and funerals. However, across the nation, several churches have received threats of legal action about the volume of their bells.

Despite that, a recent national television poll concluded that the peal of bells was one of the most popular, and definitive, of British sounds.

Fortunately, there are some churches that are attempting to bring bell ringing bang up to date with new methods of teaching.

Worcester Cathedral, which has the loudest church bells in the country, is at the forefront of new teaching methods for bell ringing and the cathedral has now become a centre of learning.

Working with both teachers and pupils the church has installed computers and a simulator to speed learning time and hold young peoples interest.

A spokesman said: "Nowadays there seems to be more to do and less time to do it in - children have exams, schoolwork and extra-curricular activities all on their plate at once.

"Here at Worcester Cathedral we are trying new teaching methods and, with concentrated practise, we can teach a beginner how to ring the bells in around 10 weeks.

"Bell ringing is suffering from an out-dated image and with these new methods I hope that more young people will be attracted to an activity that is part of their cultural heritage."