LYDFORD Church bells are all set to receive a new lease of life this summer, after the community managed to raise the amazing sum of more than £14,000 in less than six months.
The six bells needed extensive refurbishment work — work which it was feared would carry a £16,000 price tag.
Luckily, the estimate has come in at a slightly lower figure, which means an order has already been placed for the work to be done.
John Shadbolt, one of the bell ringing team who has been helping with the appeal, said: 'We were so lucky with all the support we got — we were quite staggered really.'
Mr Shadbolt said a wide variety of events were organised in order to try and reach the target required.
Plucky villagers abseiled down the church tower. A five-day flower festival and craft exhibition was held during August Bank Holiday, a cheese and wine race night brought more funds in, and a quilt, handmade by ladies from Lydford,was raffled to help reach the target.
Grants were secured from various bodies, including the parish council, the Devon Bell Restoration Fund and the Council for the Care of Churches, while the bellringers contributed £1,000 from their funds.
Bob Pengelly, Lydford tower captain, said response to the appeal was a 'fantastic' community effort.
He said: 'I was doubtful that we'd do it, but everybody buckled in and helped, specially the ladies and the catering side of things — it was an exceptional response.'
Mr Pengelly said the refurbishment of St Petroc's bells should start after the Golden Jubilee celebrations. He is hoping the work should be finished before the third week in August, when a regular bell-ringing competition is booked to take place.
He said work on the headstocks and clappers of the bells, five of which date from 1789, should keep them ringing for many years to come.