NEW recruits are being asked to join the ranks of the bell ringers at St John the Baptist church in Mildenhall.

In the last few years, the number of bell ringers at the historic, Grade I listed church has fallen to six from 10 due to old age, illness or people leaving the village.

Now the team is offering free lessons every Wednesday night at the church to teach people the art of bell ringing to help fill in for the current team, who are in their 60s, 70s and 80s, to ring the bells every other Sunday morning.

"This is an opportunity to join a really fun team, and learn about bell ringing and when you master it, it is very satisfying," said 78-year-old Tom Otley, who has been part of the team for more than 40 years.

"They will have to learn to handle the bell, the rope and learn the importance of timing and following the others. It is quite difficult to do so it will take a good few months before they are self-sufficient.

"We would like a few younger helpers to join the team as we are getting on a bit. We have two people who are currently learning but we would like some more just in case someone is not available.

"We are a close-knit bunch and we really enjoy it and look forward to every session. It is like a rowing team, you have to be in sync with everyone else to make it work."

The sessions will be held every Wednesday night at the church in Church Lane from 7.30pm. For more information call (01672) 516506 or email tomotley@btinternet.com