A CHURCH is on a mission to raise �30,000, in order to restore its bells and bring benefit to a town.

St Mary’s Church in Hitchin wants to replace its historic bells with new ones, but the project will cost �120,000.

It has already raised �90,000, and is asking the town’s businesses and residents to help out and donate so the project can be completed.

The church believes that, if the bells are replaced, more people will take up the art of bellringing.

“At the moment, the bells are quite heavy but replacing them means more people, particularly younger people, will be able to take it up,” said Trevor Groom, who is a member of the parochial church council.

“We’ve had some very generous people who have already given us money, and it’s all about that final push. We’ve got all the necessary consents in place to do the work.

“We thought, as it’s a Jubilee year, it would be nice if perhaps one of the bells was given to the community to mark the Queen’s visit to the town.”

The existing frame supporting the bells will be completely replaced, and the number of bells increased.

The church hopes that the project will be completed in the early New Year.

To donate, email Trevor at groom.trevor@yahoo.co.uk or ring 01462 622497.