THE sound of church bells will be ringing around a Worcestershire village for the first time in 30 years if a fund-raising campaign

ap-peals to potential donors.

The last time residents in Coddington, near Colwall, heard the bells at All Saints Church was a brief ring to mark the Millennium.

Before that, extensive rot in the Victorian oak bell frame had silenced the bells.

"For the Queen's Golden Jubilee, the parish has decided to replace the bell frame at a cost of £39,000," said Denis Savage, who sits on the Coddington Parochial Church Committee.

"We're only a small parish of about 120 people, but already donations have reached £10,000.

"When we have raised the money, the old frame will be replaced with a new steel metal one."

He revealed the four-man committee had earmarked next year for the renovation.

"People have been really generous - it's incredible," Mr Savage added.

"As far as I know, it's about 30 years since the bells last rang here.

"The church is in very good working order and the roof has been done, so it was decided to fix the bells."

Once the renovation is complete, a bell-ringing group from nearby Colwall will practise their technique in the church until a Coddington group is formed.

The next fund-raising event has been planned for this weekend.

Seven gardens in Coddington will be open to the public between 2pm and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

An exhibition and sale of crafts in the church, including quilts, cushions, embroidery, knitwear and pottery and a giant raffle will raise cash for the cause. Entrance costs £3 for adults and £1 for children.

For more information about the church bells appeal, contact Denis Savage on 01531 640668.