ST Matthias and Great Malvern Priory are looking for new recruits to keep the church bells ringing.

Lead bell ringer at St Matthias George Morris and tower master at the Priory John Clements have both been bell ringing since their teens, following in the footsteps of their fathers and grandfathers. Now in charge of bell ringing bands at the two churches they are keen to encourage new people to give bell ringing a try.

Anyone can become a bell ringer, men and women, young and old, musical and non-musical, short and tall there are no qualifications and it could be the start of a fascinating hobby.

Bell ringing methods have not changed for hundreds of years and the skill lies in being able to control a ball that rotates full circles using a rope attached to a wheel.

According to Mr Morris most learners can pick up the basics of change ringing in a couple of months.

"It takes much longer, about two years, to become really proficient," he added.St Matthias in Malvern Link has 10 bells and 12 regular ringers, ideally they could do with around 20. The Priory with 9 bells has 16 ringers and again a few more would be useful.

"Sometimes if a church is short of ringers for a particular service or special occasion we share bell ringers," said Mr Clements.

Both Mr Morris and Mr Clements would like to see more people getting involved in this sociable hobby and both St Matthias and the Priory hold learners practices to get people started.

The team at St Matthias have strong links with an Italian church in Verona, which practices a similar style of bell ringing. Regular exchange visits take place and the St Matthias ringers have even won prizes in an Italian church bell ringing contest.

To find out more about change ringing and get involved call Mr Morris on 01886 832781.