Sandwich will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta by ringing the curfew bell for an hour on Sunday.

This marks the official birthday of the historic document, which was agreed by King John on June 15, 1215.

Church bells will ring across the UK as part of the Big Ringing Day, and the bell at St Peter’s Church will be no exception.

It will chime from 3pm until 4pm. Sandwich is particularly proud to be taking part after finding the town’s very own Magna Carta earlier this year.

Paul Carter, captain of the curfew ringers, said: "It is a pleasure to take a small part in marking this great 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, a document that is a major part of this country's great history.

"All of the curfew ringers said they wanted to be a part of this historic occasion that is recreating history in our own time. I hope it will be remembered by all the people of Sandwich for many years to come".

The curfew bell is rung every evening at 8pm except for Sundays and Christmas Day, and has been ringing since the 13th century.

There are an estimated 40,000 bell ringers in the UK in around 5,000 towers, and most of them will be taking part in the event.

Dover will also be joining in on Sunday, with bell ringers at St Mary’s Parish Church attempting to perform 800 changes or sequences.

This will involve just under 30 minutes of continuous effort.

The Mercury has been running an appeal to help bring the Magna Carta and Charter of Forest back to Sandwich.

The campaign is supported by Sandwich Town Council and Discovery Park, and is trying to harness support among businesses, community groups, schools and individuals.

The Visit Kent exhibition, which is part of the 800th anniversary celebrations, will come to Dover between September 10 and 19 and to Sandwich between September 24 and October 6.

A spokesman for Sandwich Town Council said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for the community to really come together and celebrate what is an internationally important discovery.

“Access to the exhibition will be free. However, we’re expecting tremendous interest.”

The council wishes to ensure schools, community groups and local charities have the opportunity to view the documents, and intends to allow them to book slots between 9am and 11am – when the exhibition will be closed to the public.

To book a slot, or to help the council in its appeal, call 01304 617197.