Time taken toll on St. Mary's Church bells in Car Colston as they undergo restoration by Taylor’s of Loughborough

A church’s bells have been lowered for the first time in a century as they are sent for specialist restoration.

St Mary’s Church, Car Colston, is undergoing improvements as part of a restoration project.

Four bells were were lowered and taken away by Taylor’s of Loughborough, a specialist bell foundry who will spend roughly two months on the restoration.

One of the bells was made by Taylor's themselves in 1872 and the others hold their own history. Two dating from 1633 were made in Nottingham and the largest and oldest of the bells was created in 1480, weighing nearly half a tonne.

Nigel Crockford, secretary of Car Colston and Screveton PCC explained why now was the time for the restoration to take place, saying: "The bells haven't been used in 40 years.

"They were declared unsafe because the wooden headstocks which hold them in place were rotting.

"They have been taken away to be tuned at the foundry. They'll be sandblasted and cleaned, they'll have their clappers replaced as well as the headstocks changed out for steel."

The fundraising appeal was split half and half between charities and individuals, with the hope of raising £30,000.

So far roughly three quarters of the target has been raised with contributions from The Southwell & Nottingham Diocese Association of Bellringers, the Nottinghamshire Historic Churches Trust, the Benefact Trust, and the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Volunteers from nearby churches and villages, organised by Susan Radford, offered their help in assisting the professionals from Taylor’s with the bell lowering, which took place in stages over three days.

There were also helpers on hand to remove debris and make tea and coffee.

The lowering of the bells forms the first phase of a project, which will see improvements made in other parts of the church.

This includes the refurbishment of the Tower Room and installation of a new glass and oak entrance, for bellringers and community use.

Pews and heating pipes will also be repositioned to allow better access to the tomb of Dr Robert Thoroton, a renowned historian and resident of Car Colston from the 1600s, which has been obscured for the past 70 years and install an information board.

There are also plans to improve flooring, seating, lighting and heating in the west end of the nave to provide community space and an upgraded children’s area.

The bells are expected to make their return to St.Mary's at some point between late February and early March.