A bid to get the bells ringing again at an historic Barnoldswick church is close to fruition.

Generous donations by the local community and two bell ringing associations have helped St Mary le Ghyll Church to raise £67,000.

The money is being used to refurbish three original bells, which were put in place in 1723, and to pay for three new bells.

They will all be mounted in a cast iron frame and re-installed this summer.

The vicar, the Rev John Lancaster, said: “We are now in position for the work to be completed. The sixth bell is going to be cast in June and we’re hoping the bells will be back in the tower by August.”

Mr Lancaster, a member of the Ghyll Ringers, a group that promotes bell ringing in West Craven, said the project was originally going to cost £58,000, but inflation and the rising cost of bell metal had now put the price tag at £67,000.

“These projects tend to take a lot of time, but it is a tremendous testimony to the local community that the money has been raised so quickly,” said Mr Lancaster.

In addition to donations from local residents, the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers and the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers have supported the project to the tune of £14,500.

Both organisations will have their names inscribed on one of the new bells.

Mr Lancaster said local support had been vital because the church had been turned down for grants by three different national organisations.

The three original bells have been re-tuned slightly to give them perfect pitch.

“There’s no reason why they shouldn’t last for another 300 years,” said Mr Lancaster, who also looks after Holy Trinity Church in Barnoldswick and Bracewell Church.

“It’s a fascinating art form. People who go for stress-busting should take up bell ringing. It’s a wonderful thing.”

The Ghyll Ringers have 12 members who range in age. One former member was aged just 12.

While the bells are being cast at Loughborough firm Taylors, Eayre and Smith, the Ghyll Ringers have been eagerly preparing the sockets in the wall of the church tower for installation.

“We’ve had the opportunity to be part of something special,” said Mr Lancaster.

“It’s going to be an historic moment for this church.”

After the bells are re-installed, the church is planning to hold a special ceremony conducted by the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Rev David James, to celebrate the occasion.