The new year was rung-in in style at a church which has a thriving team of bell ringers.

Several years ago the bells at St Nicholas Church, in New Romney, almost fell silent and only sounded when bell ringers from neighbouring Lydd visited.

A new team of ringers began instruction in 2005 and the group at New Romney is now going from strength to strength.

The New Year ring saw all of the eight bells being manned under the captaincy of David Jackson.

Shortly before midnight there were 23 people in the ringing room, with friends and guests supporting 11 ringers.

Ringing master Chris Cooper, of Ashford, who established the new team, said: “Grasping the ropes which lead to the ancient bells above, the ringers rang the bells out to call-changes.

“As midnight drew close, the ringing ceased and the radio sounded out the chimes of Big Ben, upon which Vernon Hutchens, by an old tradition as senior member of the company, tolled out the 12 strokes of midnight on the largest bell and then the local team fired all the bells in jubilation.”

Mr Cooper continues to attend practices at the church each week on Mondays from 7.30-9pm and instructs the band in the ancient art of change ringing. Newcomers are always welcome.