Worshippers at a church in Neston will have an extra reason to celebrate when the bells ring out on Christmas morning, following the installation of a brand new bell.

The same bell has heralded the congregation to the church of St Philip and St James since it was built in 1865 but, after sustaining significant damage over the years, it has been replaced following a donation from a longstanding resident.

Charles Fuller, of Jaggards Lane, sponsored the new bell, which was cast in London’s historic Whitechapel.

Mr Fuller, who also serves on Corsham Town Council, said: “For all my life I have had to listen to a cracked bell and it has worried me that Neston has had to put up with it for so long.

“My daughter is being married in the church next year and I thought it would be a good idea to continue the family’s contribution to the Fabric Fund.

“I suggested that I would install a new bell, which hopefully will last for the next 150 years.

“I am sure that Neston will be pleased with the clarion call to come to church every week.”

Church warden Charles Todd said: “The old bell, cast in the same year the church was built, was melted down and recast, so the continuity is there.

“The ringing of the church bell on a Sunday morning is synonymous with the Christian life of the village, and it is appropriate that the first time the new bell will ring for a service is on Christmas Morning, heralding Christ’s birthday and one of the most important occasions in the church’s calendar.”