Elmley Castle: Bell-ringers take on 'marathon' to replace bells

A group from Worcestershire will ring the bells in 10 towers in the county for a total of eight-and-a-half hours this Saturday.

The challenge, known as a quarter peal marathon, will start at Ashton-under-Hill at 09:00 GMT and conclude at Elmley Castle.

It is hoped the group's efforts will raise £95,000 so the bells at Elmley Castle can be replaced.

The oldest bell dates back to the 17th century and four others are listed.

Organiser Harry Stephenson, 26 and from Ashton-under-Hill, described the bells as "not particularly pleasant" to ring and "not in a fit state".

Taking on the quarter peal marathon with Mr Stephenson are Roger Hunt, Steve Bowley, Richard Lewis-Skeath, Rachel Page and Reg Hitchings.

Discussing the challenge on BBC Hereford & Worcester, Mr Stephenson said: "It's not just the physical endurance but also the mental endurance, which is probably more challenging to be honest.

"Ringing is like really intense sudoku, as far as the thinking is concerned.

"It's like trying to do that for 45 minutes at a time with a 15-minute break in between."

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