THE ANCIENT art of bellringing is enjoying a surge in popularity in Otley.

No fewer then eight new ringers have joined All Saints Parish Church's group since 2013.

Ringing Master, Meg Morton, says the arrival of the new recruits – "all keen as mustard" – has boosted the morale of the small band of established members.

Many of the new joiners had their first experience of ringing at a major event when they sounded the bells for the Tour de France's arrival in town last July.

Reflecting on that day, Meg said: "A keen ringer and cyclist, Rod Ismay, had the grand idea of organising all the church bells along the route to ring to greet the cyclists.

"Back in the spring of 2014, our learners were still new enough for this to seem a bit chancy, but when the BBC got interested in the idea and came to film us with Songs Of Praise presenter Connie Fisher, we were committed.

"It was all very exciting.

"Sadly, when the programme was shown the weekend before the Tour, there was virtually no footage of the new learners, but we did ring for the Tour, wearing bright yellow T-shirts, before rushing out to watch the cyclists whizz through town."

The group rang call changes to welcome Le Tour, and the learner members have now progressed to more advanced techniques.

And Meg is predicting a bright future.

She added: "We now have the makings of a strong band at Otley.

"On Sunday mornings, you will often hear all eight bells ringing for the morning service, and we can field a home team to ring for weddings, when we used to have to call in helpers from far and wide.

"There are big plans afoot. As the bells have had no expert attention since they were recast and rehung in 1922, a general overhaul and some refurbishment are needed and will happen, we hope, as soon as we have raised the considerable funds needed.

"An open day is also planned for the forthcoming Otley Yorkshire Week, at the beginning of August, which will include ringing demonstrations and tours of the belfry.

"Visitors will be able see for themselves how the bells are rung."

Anyone interested in finding out more about bellringing can contact Meg via e-mail at meg.morton@icloud.com or phone on 01943 461836.