The bells at a north Norfolk church will not be ringing out again until the new year, but they have been tuned.

North Norfolk News: The bells have been tuned before their return to north Norfolk. Picture: supplied by Sue MortonThe bells have been tuned before their return to north Norfolk. Picture: supplied by Sue Morton (Image: Archant)

A £75,000 scheme to re-hang the derelict six bells in the tower of All Saints Church in Upper Sheringham was launched last year.

This will enable traditional English full circle bell-ringing to take place once again. The bells have not been rung like this since the 1930s.

The bells were removed from the 900-year-old church and taken to Nicholson Engineering of Bridport, Dorset, where a new metal frame has been made, along with new fixtures and fittings, and the bells have been tuned. The original wooden medieval frame remained in situ in the tower.

Appeal coordinator Sue Morton said earlier in the year that she was hoping the bells would ring out again for Remembrance and then Christmas.

North Norfolk News: All Saints Church, Upper Sheringham. Pictures: Supplied by Sue MortonAll Saints Church, Upper Sheringham. Pictures: Supplied by Sue Morton (Image: Archant)

But she added: "We are still waiting for the date when the bells will be making their journey back from the bell works in Dorset to north Norfolk, ready to be returned to the tower to be fitted in the new frame, before they will once more ring out over the village.

"We had hoped this would be before Christmas, but this is now looking unlikely - it should be early in the new year - watch this space.

"Whilst the bells have been away, they have been tuned so we are expecting them to sound amazing. To tune bells, metal is taken out from the inside.

"Once they return, we will start to ring them prior to every Sunday service at Upper Sheringham and also hold a practice night on Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 9pm.

North Norfolk News: Project co-ordinator Sue Morton. Pictures: Supplied by Sue MortonProject co-ordinator Sue Morton. Pictures: Supplied by Sue Morton (Image: Archant)

"All will be welcome to come along and have a go."

New bellringers are being trained at nearby St Andrew's in Holt to help with ringing the bells at All Saints.

The appeal is still about £10,000 short of the target.

To donate, or find out more, call Sue Morton on 01263 826078 or suejmorton@gmail.com. Cheques, payable to Upper Sheringham PCC, can be sent to Sue Morton at 4 Linden Grove, Sheringham NR26 8PD.