A newly-wed bride had a ring with a difference on Friday – after she let out a celebratory peal on the church bells.

Wearing her white wedding dress and new ring, Claire Smith, 37, of Bellamy Road, Knebworth, grabbed the bell ropes at St Mary’s Church in the village and rang the ancient bells moments after she tied the knot with James Derrett, 38.

Claire said she was eager to ring the bells on her big day after she took up the unusual hobby at the church last year.

“It was really nice. I’ve been learning since September. I didn’t want everyone else to have all the fun. I asked if it was possible and the bell tower master said it was. Some of the guests were bell-ringers too and looked very funny all dressed up in their finery.”