A celebration evening took place last night to herald the funding of historic church bells in Tong, Bradford.

St James’s Church received a £45,900 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to remove, restore and then return the six bells, which have remained silent since the 1960s.

As part of the project a local history group researched the bells and their findings are being displayed at regular open days in the church.

The total cost of the project is estimated at £63,000 with the remainder raised through gift days, coffee mornings and funeral bequests.

The Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers and Central Council of Bell Ringers have also given grants.