A County Durham church is set to mark its anniversary later this month with a historic bell-ringing ceremony.
St Andrew’s Church in Bishop Auckland is set to reach the milestone of 750 years of heritage and is ushering through the historic moment with a grand bell-ringing ceremony on Sunday, April 28.
The ceremony will take place at St Andrews in South Church, County Durham, where a quarter peal of eight bells will begin at 1pm and continue for a full hour.
This will be followed by a special service at 2pm with Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdown, and the Dean of Durham Dr Philip Plyming joined by the St John’s School Choir.
The event will mark the rededication of the St Andrew’s church bells and the new ropes induction by the Northeast Bell Ringing community.
The church has confirmed all of the community are invited to attend, regardless of faith and is encouraging people to attend.
Marilyn Weerasinghe, Tower Captain for the Bells, has defined the bells as “a bridge between the church and community joining us together in our shared heritage.”
She added: “Our special service on 28th April is all about celebration and regeneration, as we have the bells ringing again for our town.”
“Faith or no faith, please come along to this day of true celebration.”
Mrs Sue Snowdon, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant, added: “I am delighted that such an exciting programme of events has been planned to recognise and celebrate the 750th anniversary of St Andrew's Church.
“Occasions which will reflect the Church's rich history, support the continuance of its work today and uplift community spirit".
If one hour of ringing was not enough, St Andrews looks to quadruple their efforts in the following weekend (Saturday, May 4) and will host a four-hour peal.
The church has remained a well-known cornerstone for the local community, serving as a place of worship and learning since the 15th century.
Their history has seen the transition to a Parish Church in 1541 and the Grand Bell Ringing Ceremony looks to be another mark in the church’s legacy.
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