AN appeal is being made to get the long-silent bells of a Darlington church ringing once again.

St John The Evangelist Church off Yarm Road has not had a regular band of campanologists ringing its bells since the 1990s but tower captain Stephen Duguid is hoping he change that.

He is appealing for bell ringers from across the Darlington area and beyond to get in touch and form a regular group of ringers for St John’s.

“I am hoping that we can get enough interest because looking around the district at the (bell ringers) guild, there are a number of young members coming through,” Mr Duguid said.

“The district can stretch up to the borders but I am hoping that within our region there are enough people who can come to Darlington do it.

“There are a number of regulars at St Cuthbert’s but they are struggling at times; we do work together and help each other out.”

Mr Duguid, 45, has been bell ringing since he was ten years old and described its appeal.

“It is nice getting together with like-minded people, it is a little bit of exercise both physical and mental, and it is a social occasion as well,” he said.

If Mr Duguid can garner enough interest he will plan a two-hour practice session at the church in due course.

He suggested that fortnightly sessions could then follow, plus the possibility of ringing for the Sunday morning service and weddings if needed.

Anybody interested in bell ringing at St John’s can contact Mr Duguid at Stephen.duguid1@virginmedia.com