Beverley Minster's bells undergo first restoration in more than 120 years

Steeple keeper Mike Robson has worked at Beverley Minster for 48 years

The bells at Beverley Minster are undergoing major restoration for the first time in more that 120 years.

A frame holding one of the bells had to be repaired after it was found to have come loose.

The work has meant that one of the 10 bells has been out of action for the last five weeks.

The minster's steeple keeper Mike Robson said he was trying to keep as many of the original parts as possible.

The repair work is taking place 120 ft (37m) up in the minster's belfry

He said: "Things should be secure for hopefully the next 120 years because these parts were last down here in 1901 and have been up in the tower all that time."

The repaired structure around the bells will need to be winched 120 ft (37m) up to the minster's belfry.

Mr Robson, who has worked at the minster for 48 years, said each of the bells and their supports would be individually checked.

He said the restoration work was essential.

"Eventually if bits started to deteriorate and break off then the bells would be unringable," he said.

The work has been funded by the Friends of Beverley Minster charity and is expected to be completed by Friday.