THANKS have been given to Sandwich residents who helped pay for repairs to the fittings of the Curfew Bell at St Peter’s Church.

More cash donations are still welcomed for the costly project, which saw the seven tonne bell being lifted in June so the corroded fittings could be replaced.

Town Clerk Tracey Ward said: "The current Captain of the Bell Ringers, Mrs Phil Young, offered to assist the town council with the cost of the repairs by fundraising within the town.

"She wrote to local businesses, clubs, organisations and residents and the response has been overwhelming with a total of £2,920 being received to date."

The actual cost of repairs – carried out by bell experts, the Whitechapel Bell Foundry – is £3,261.

The Curfew Bell is rung every evening except Sundays and Christmas Day at 8pm for 10 minutes by volunteers who are co-ordinated by Sandwich Town Council.

It has been rung since the 13th Century and was formerly called the Pig Bell as it signalled the time that animals should be put out on the streets and also that people should put out their fires.

It is also struck on the hour every hour by a hammer.

Mrs Ward added: "The town council is extremely grateful to Mrs Phil Young.

"The council would also like to thank local residents and organisations who have made contributions, no matter how small, to allow this work to be carried out."

Anyone wishing to contribute can send a cheque, made payable to Sandwich Town Council, to Sandwich Guildhall, Cattle Market, Sandwich.