A BELL-RINGER from Malpas has been appointed Master of the Chester Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers.

Ben Kellett, the tower captain of St Oswald’s Church, will be in position for three years and will promote bell-ringing across the diocese as well as advance training of bell-ringing.

But he stressed he would continue to lead the Malpas bell-ringing team.

He told the Whitchurch Herald: “One of my main motives is preserving and restoring bells.

“Our bells at Malpas are undergoing a minor restoration project that will be completed within the next couple of weeks.

“This has included replacing the bearings the bells swing on, re-bushing and making good the clappers, and cleaning and painting the steel and cast-iron bell frame.

“It is expected that once this restoration has been completed to the 1914 installation it should last a further 100 years.”

It’s a big job for Ben as the Guild consists of 150 towers with nearly 1,000 members, stretching all the way from Malpas, up to Stockport and across to Derby.

He added: “It’s a first for someone from Malpas to hold this position, so it’s quite something.”

Anyone interested in joining the St Oswald’s bell-ringing team should contact Ben on 07742 976950.

Practice is on Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm, with ringing on Sundays at 10.30am for the 11am service, and for weddings and other special occasions.