IT WAS a double victory for Tavistock Bellringers who beat off stiff competition to take the Guild of Devonshire Ringers trophies in Exeter at the weekend.

Not only did they excel in the six bell striking competition at Pinhoe Church in the morning but they also won the afternoon event at Heavitree Church when seven of the Tavistock ringers and Colin Kneebone from Lifton represented the South West Devon branch, competing against the seven other branches of the guild.

The contests, in which seven teams took part in the morning, are the only two major method ringing contests in the county.

Team member George Mudge, who has been bellringing for 47 years, said the team had won both events previously but never in the same year, so he was very pleased with the result.

'We have some very good ringers and we have been doing it a long time,' he said.

'I started when I was 15 but it really is something that anyone from about the age of 10 can do. You do not have to be musical but have a good sense of rhythm and timing.'

Tavistock Bellringers meet to practice every Tuesday evening in St Euchachius Church and ring every Sunday.

Mr Mudge, who has rung church bells in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, said the team would welcome more members: ' I have made friends all over the place through ringing, there is a lot of camaraderie and team support.

'It is very satisfying doing something that has gone on for hundreds of years in the UK. There are not many peels of bells outside the UK so it is good to keep the tradition alive.

'People would surely miss it if there were no bells for Sunday services and weddings.'

Anyone interested in giving bellringing a go should contact Mr Mudge on 01822 615456.

RIGHT: George Mudge and Ian Smith (with cups) and the bell ringing team at Tavistock Church.