A HAGLEY church hopes to pull in budding bell ringers when it hosts a one off taster session in the New Year.

St John's Church, Hall Lane, is hosting a workshop for anyone interested in having a go at bell ringing on Saturday January 17 from 1pm to 3pm.

Members of the local ringing association will be showing people how to handle a bell and demonstrating change ringing.

Richard Scarth, tower captain at St John’s, Hagley, said: "Ringing church bells is great fun for everyone from eight to 80-plus, and the practice is keeping alive one of the most traditional pastimes since it was introduced into English churches in the late 1600s.

"Even though this session will be at St John’s Hagley, other local church towers are available which may be more convenient for people to continue to learn and practice."

Bell ringers are not required to attend church services unless they wish to - and no musical knowledge or experience is needed.

Mr Scarth added: "If you can climb up the spiral stair-case to the ringing chamber you can learn to ring."

People attending the taster session will be invited to make a voluntary donation to the Worcestershire and Districts Change Ringing Association Belfry Repairs Fund but Mr Scarth said: "The donation will be purely voluntary and not expected from persons not in paid employment."

Workshop places are limited and must be booked in advance.

Anyone interested can call 07768 273545 or email ringers@hagleycofe.co.uk