THE bells from one of the country's most famous churches have been ringing out across Taunton again.

More than 360 people attended a service led by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Peter Hancock, to dedicate the 15 new bells and carillon at St Mary Magdalene Church.

The dedication ended with the words: “Let the bells ring out” - and a band representing sponsors of the individual bells and St Mary’s ringers did just that.

A celebratory cake decorated with bells was shared among visitors at the event on Sunday, March 19.

The programming of the carillon and adjustment of the external acoustics is not quite complete, but will soon be playing old favourites such as 'Up from Somerset'.

The bells, which have replaced the old set which were worn out, have been funded by hundreds of donations and sponsorship money, including a grant from the Gannett Foundation, set up by the American parent company of Newsquest, owner of the County Gazette.

One of the reasons the bells needed to be replaced was to make them easier to ring and the ringing team is now appealing for people to come forward to learn to ring the new bells.

Anybody aged ten and over to be taught initially on modern simulator equipment.

Apply for an introductory visit via www.bellsofstmarys.org.uk or call 01823-272441 on weekday mornings.