THE bells of St Ladoca's Church in Ladock have returned to their tower just in time for Christmas.

The grade I listed church had been unable to ring a full peal since last year, due to the poor sound of the existing bells and the need for a stronger belfry frame.

The community has raised almost £150,000 to replace the wooden frame with a heavy-duty cast-iron alternative. Four bells were melted down and recast and the remaining four retuned at the historic the Taylors of Loughborough foundry.

Upon their return, it was discovered one bell was too large to get through the front door and had to be entered through the west door and stored in the toilet until installation.

A trial ring was carried out ahead of the first full peal on Christmas Day. Tower captain Jonathan Young said: “Everyone was present and the bells sound fantastic. It was a cheerful and uplifting moment.”