Church-goers have launched an appeal to repair two ancient bells which have been silenced since cracks appeared last autumn.

Since they were taken out of action, the congregation has been summoned to St Mary's Church in Long Preston by just one of the peel of three bells.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has now launched a campaign to repair the bells and their frame.

St Mary's Church is recorded in the Doomsday Book and although the present building is thought to date back to the late 14th and early 15th centuries, the tower - probably Norman at the base - is unusual in being solid.

Its three bells date from 1762 and were re-hung in 1887 when the clock was installed. One bears the name of Knowles with the date 1630, and Jeremiah Harrison has his name on one of the other two.

The bells are considered rare in that they are hung above a solid tower-base. The ringing ropes hang down into the body of the church after passing at an angle through an opening in the tower wall.

Long Preston resident Heather Thomas-Smith is helping the PCC raise money for the repair work through a Scottish coast-to-coast walk. She first completed the challenge last year, but is undertaking a more difficult route this year that will take in 240 miles and 50,000 feet of ascent.

She told the Herald it was important work was carried out on the bells soon so they could be rung again.

"There are only three and there is no room to increase the number, but with repair the bells could once again be rung full circle to remind villagers of the church at prayer, to mark special occasions, to be struck as a chime for the clock and to be pealed when there are special circumstances.

"The village is very keen to have the bells of the parish church restored to full use. They are a vital part of Long Preston and the area's heritage. We are proud to have them and duty-bound to make sure they are restored to a good state for use over the coming years and for future generations."

The repair work will involve the removal of a section of the roof to get the bells out and down, as the tower steps are narrow. This means that costs will be high and an estimate obtained in January came to around £25,000.

The PCC is looking to raise money in various ways, including applying for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In order to improve its chances of getting funds, it is incorporating a community element into its application through the creation of a village heritage and history project.

Workshops are going to be held to progress the project and details will be made available through a stall run by St Mary's vicar, Rev Rachel Wilson, at the village's May Day celebrations on Saturday May 5.

"It will be so nice to have the bells ring full peal again. They have been missed and we hope to have a bid in for funding by summer.

"If it is successful we are hoping the bells can be installed by next spring," said Mrs Wilson.

Forms to support Mrs Thomas-Smith on her solo sponsored walk will be available at the village post office.