THE bells of St Peter’s Church in Kinver will be ringing out this St George’s Day (April 23) as part of a nationwide initiative.

Kinver Bell Ringers will be heading up the tower as they join 44,000 other ringers hoping to chime 208,000 bells in 12,000 churches across the country at the same time.

Bells from small parish churches, priories, abbeys, university, cathedrals and even a castle will be ringing out to celebrate the Patron Saint of England.

But for the ringers in the South Staffordshire village, the event offers the perfect opportunity for them to showcase what they do with the set of eight bells in the 11th century church.

Tower captain Diane Awkati is inviting the public to find out more about ringing the bells at St Peter's and even giving them the chance to have a go themselves.

Diane said: “Bell ringing is a wonderful pastime and we’re always looking for new people to join.

“During St George’s Day we will tell visitors about the bells, explain and demonstrate how we ring them and for those who would like to, let them have a taster.”

St Peter’s will be open for tea and cake from 10am until noon, with public ringing sessions at 10am and 11am.

The band will then attempt a quarter peal – a continuous ringing of at least 1,260 changes of the bells with no change repeated – which will last about 45 minutes.

Bell ringing hit the headlines recently when an argument brewed as to whether it should be classified as a hobby or sport.

Diane added: “Ringing is certainly useful in helping to improve agility – both mental and physical. It is an active pursuit that is as much to do with good coordination as physical strength.

“Any person can give it a go from the small to the tall, youngsters from about age 12 to people of ‘more mature’ years.”

As well as the taster day, Kinver Bell Ringers host ringing lessons by arrangement on Saturdays for novices and learners (costing £3 per hour or £2 for under18's) and as learners progress they will be able to join Wednesday evening practices.

Anyone interested in taking up Bell ringing can speak to the band on April 23, or to find out more call Diane on 01384 872003 or email kinver.ringers@hotmail.com.