THE traditional sound of handbells will ring out from Pershore Abbey on Saturday when the West Midlands Region of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain stages a concert.

To the uninitiated, it may be difficult to imagine an entire concert of handbell ringing, but prepare to be amazed. Ringing the bells is a fine art and the concert should be well worth a visit.

Richard Hartnell, concert co-ordinator, said: "The sound of handbells is as strongly associated with Christmas as carol singing, the crib in the manger, Yuletide cheer and mince pies.

"For two centuries, the tuned handbell has formed part of our country's rich heritage, just as the church bell, ringing out on Sunday, brings home to visitors that which is essentially England."

The West Midlands Region of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain was set up as an organisation to promote the tune ringing of handbells.

For the past 13 years it has put on handbell concerts at Christmas and venues such as Lichfield and Worcester Cathedrals have resonated to the sound of the bells.

Teams, or bell choirs as they are known, from all over the West Midlands region assemble and perform Christmas music.

Mr Hartnell explained: "Solo performances of well known tunes are complemented by massed ringing, in which all teams play together, creating a spectacular sight and sound. Interspersed among the performances are readings associated with bells and bell ringing. The whole is a memorable way to welcome in the season of Christmas."

This year, handbell groups are coming to Pershore and the concert Bells in the Abbey starts at 7.30pm.

Six of the best groups for the region will be performing, including the ever popular Kempsey Handbell Ringers who are celebrating 25 years, and two Herefordshire-based teams. Tickets are £5 and available either on the night, on the door or from Blue or A La Carte in Pershore. Proceeds go to St Richard's Hospice in Worcester.