After more than 60 years ringing tower bells, what better way for Derek Wilkinson to celebrate his 80th birthday than with a peal attempt at his local church.

Consisting of at least 5040 changes on up to seven working bells, a peal is the peak of any bell ringer’s career.

The Kent County of Change Ringers will attempt a quarter peal, which can go on for almost an hour, to celebrate Derek’s birthday at St Botolph’s Church in Northfleet on Tuesday, May 17.

Derek, who collects church magazines and contributes to his local Badger News newsletter, said: “It makes me feel very honoured.

“I knew something was going on, that people were up to something, but it is still a nice surprise!”

Besides one short break due to ill health, Derek, who lives in New Barn, has been ringing continuously since 1948.

In 1955 he became a member of the Royal Cumberland Youths and since then has rung three full peals and many more quarter peals.

Many ringers have been trained under his expert tuition over the years and he continues to recruit new members for his Hand Bells Team at St Botolph’s.

Anyone interested can contact Derek on 01474 703948.