Work begins on restoration of historic bell tower

The bell tower was built in 1906 but has fallen into disrepair over the years

Work has started on a project to restore a historic bell tower in Loughborough.

The tower at John Taylor and Co, Britain's last purpose-built bell foundry, was constructed in 1906 but bosses said it had fallen into disrepair over the years.

It is now being reinstated and renovated as part of a wider project to revamp the Grade II* listed building in Freehold Street.

The tower hosts a carillon, a musical instrument made up of bells played using a keyboard, which is being restored with extra bells added.

"This tower is certainly iconic to this area and the residents who enjoy the sound of the bells," said the foundry's commercial and sales director Simon Adams.

"Presently there are 18 bells in the carillon tower and the rest are being tuned and got ready and cast to be installed quite soon."

Another 30 bells are to be added to the 18 currently in place

Mr Adams added: "We have acquired some bells from a closed church in Canada. They will form the two largest bells.

"We have acquired others from other places and are casting bells too."

"This will be the second carillon in the town. There's the one in the tower in Queen's Park which is a war memorial.

"It will be quite a rarity for a town to have two carillons."

There will be 48 bells hanged on a new frame when the foundry carillon restoration is finished later this year, Mr Adams said.