BELLS on a church are ringing out again for the first time in months following extensive repair work.

The components of four bells at St Nicholas Church, Harwich, have been repaired and were re-fitted earlier this week.

Eight bells were installed at the church in 1821 but no repair work has been carried out on them until now.

The components underwent remedial work following the first phase of repairs in October when the bell’s stays, sliders, gudgeons, headstocks, wheels, pulley blocks, runner boards, clappers and bearings were repaired.

Church tower captain Tracey Southgate, who co-ordinated the £26,000 project, said the bells have not been rung since September until this week.

She said: “It’s great to have them all back in time for Christmas and the carol services “The repair work is something we have been working towards for many years.

“Hopefully they will be in better condition than they were before.

“They desperately needed the work doing – they were in danger of never being rung again so we are hopeful they will be slightly easier."