Cumbria churches issue plea for bell ringers

Chris Decordova said candidates would need to be older than 11 and have a sense of timing

Some churches in west Cumbria are opening their doors in the evening to attract potential bell ringers.

Churches in and around Whitehaven have seen a fall in numbers of people able to ring bells and also need people to replace the ones who leave.

Chris Decordova, tower captain at Cleator Moor, teaches bell ringing and said candidates would need to be older than 11 and have a sense of timing.

She said: "All the bells are still being rung but we need people to help."

Churches taking part in the week-long event include those in Arlecdon, Cleator Moor, Egremont, Hensingham, Irton, St Bees and Whitehaven.

Ms Decordova added: "We want to get a batch of people in each church and get them to ring together because it's much more fun to be learning with people at the same time."