A campaign is under way to raise tens of thousands of pounds to add to and restore a set of church bells.

Holy Trinity, in Green Porch Close, Milton Regis, currently has six in its historic tower, which is the widest in Kent and the third widest in the country.

The majority of them have been there since 1681, apart from one which was donated in 1934 by J. Dixon Esq in memory of four bellringers who died in the First World War.

Tower captain Chris Trafford said: “The bells are getting increasingly difficult to ring as they are all wearing out."

Donations and grants of £30,000 have already been received, along with £2,000 of the church’s own money amassed through various fundraising events.

But they must still raise £44,000 more for the work to begin.

“We want to have them restored and have two new bells cast and added. If we have eight then we will have a full octave and can do far more.” - Chris Trafford

The bells need new bearings as they have completely worn out, leaving them very stiff.

Mr Trafford, who has been a bellringer for 20 years, said: “Some of our elderly bellringers find it difficult to ring them at the moment.

“We also hope to become a ringing centre to teach others from the age of 12, and this would also mean the church is open more and more people will visit.

“Because of Milton’s location, it would be an ideal tower to use as a ringing centre on occasions to train ringers from around the county. The nearest centre at the moment is in Dover, I think.”

They hope the tower, which was built between 1310 and 1330, will have the money needed by the end of the year.

To donate to the fundraising effort, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/miltonregisbells