OTLEY Parish Church's bells are being reinstalled following major restoration work.

The church has been without the sound of its bells since the end of August when they were dismantled as part of a £28,565 refurbishment scheme.

The work, carried out by John Taylor & Co, of Loughborough, has involved taking apart and servicing virtually all of the moveable parts, plus supporting framework, in the bell chamber.

The bells themselves, however - recast in 1922 using metal from the church's previous bells, which were cast in 1781 - are in excellent condition and did not require any attention.

The restoration tasks have now all been completed and the complex business of rehanging the bells began last week.

Otley Bell Ringers' Tower Captain, Meg Morton, said: "The bells are back in their positions and the clappers will be the next items to install, along with the other parts of the mechanisms, which have been replaced or repaired at John Taylor & Co's foundry in Loughborough.

"Some of the ropes will also hang in slightly different positions, making them easier to handle.

"Over the next week or two we hope to welcome back and refit the bell wheels, which had become quite fragile.

"There will also be a small amount of painting needed to complete the job.

"The professional bell-hangers have been helped by several local volunteers connected with the tower - it has been heavy work and we are extremely grateful for their invaluable assistance, which has kept down the cost of the refurbishment.

"The clock has also been restarted and we hope to have the chimes sounding again soon."

The bells at Otley All Saints Church have been ringing out for services, celebrations and special occasions since at least 1748.

The restoration work has been paid for through a public appeal run by the bell ringers.