NEW bells at St Bartholomew's Church, in Barbon, should be ringing out in time for Christmas.

The Barbon Heritage Bell Society has raised 25,000 to extend the number of bells at the historic church from four to six.

Secretary of the church sub-committee Ken Bateman said when the church was built more than 105 years ago, only four bells had been fitted, despite there being enough room for six.

"It was probably because of a lack of money that only four were fitted," said Mr Bateman. "By adding another two we are just finishing off the original design and making the bells more tuneful."

One of the new bells is second hand and was once used in a marker buoy. Work has started to install the bells and it is hoped they will be ringing in time for Christmas.

A dedication service is planned at the church early next year.

Mr Bateman said: "Having more bells will mean we will be able to train more people to ring them. Already a lot of people have shown an interest."