The sound of church bells are set to return to a village after months of silence.

St Michael and All Angels Church in Marden sent its eight bells for repair in October as extended wear and tear was taking its toll.

The village had not been without the chimes for 114 years, but a decision was made by the clergy to go ahead with the £50,000 revamp to ensure the bells continue to chime long into the future.

They were taken for repair in the hope of being up and running for Christmas but due to a number of delays, this deadline was extended.

But, on February 13, a crowd watched as the bells were returned to the church with a new lick of paint and fully refurbished.

Reverend Nicky Harvey said: “It was amazing, lots of the village came out to see them come back.

“The headstocks have been redrilled and replaced and the new ball bearings put into place would mean they won’t need to be touched for another 25 years.

“They should be easier to ring too so it will be easier to teach and train others to do it.

The bells – of which the heaviest weighs around 725kg – were re-housed over the following two days (February 14-15).

Rev’d Nicky added: “It’s been really strange these past months with no ringing.

“Even the clock hasn’t been able to chime and people have been asking when are they coming back.

“It’ll be nice getting them ringing again.”

Despite their return, the bells are not ready to toll as the clappers need to be put back in.

However, the church is expecting the first ring to be for the funeral of a former bell ringer in the village.

There are also discussions to have the bishop come down near the end of April to bless them.