CHURCH bells will ring out across Wiltshire this evening (Thursday) in solidarity to the fire at Notre-Dame in Paris.

From Malmesbury to Salisbury there will be the sound of half-muffled bells tolling for seven minutes at 7pm.

Anne Wardell of the tower team at Milton Lilbourne said the sound would be both poignant and solemn.

She said: "In the Vale of Pewsey, St Peter's in Milton Lilbourne, St John the Baptist in Pewsey, and St Mary the Virgin in Upavon are taking part in what she described as a fitting tribute to mark the devastating fire in France.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued an edict to all chapels, churches and cathedrals in the country to take part in the mass ringing following an initiative suggested by the British Ambassador to France, Edward Llewellyn.

Salisbury Cathedral has joined with the Archbishop of Canterbury in responding in French with prayers following the fire at Notre Dame. The diocese in Salisbury said they expected many churches would take part.