BOVEY Tracey’s bellringers are making plans for the upcoming coronation of King Charles III next May, but they need your help.

Bellringers will play an important role in May’s celebrations, with many churches set to ring their bells on the day of the coronation.

In the past, bellringing was a popular and widespread pastime. However, over time, the amount of people getting involved in bellringing has declined, and churches worry that their towers could fall silent.

The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers has found that across the UK, there are about 38,000 bells, but only 30,000 bell ringers.

In response, the Bovey Bellringers, alongside thousands of others across Britain have launched ‘Ring for the King’, a campaign to recruit more bellringers in time for the Coronation.

Katie Moppett, a bellringer at Bovey, said: ‘We are one of many towers needing new bellringers.

‘Although our current focus is Bovey Tracey we are looking to recruit also for other churches in our vicinity- from as far as Moretonhampstead to the north and Highweek in the south.’

To get involved, contact Bovey’s tower captain Chris Dell at [email protected], or phone 01626 834994.

For further information, go to https://www.devonbells.co.uk/.