An appeal for £80,000 has been launched to restore the historic bells of Bushey Parish Church.

St James' Church dates back to the 14th Century. There are eight bells in the tower, two dating back before the Great Fire of London.

The bells are rung by a band of volunteers for church services, weddings and special occasions of local or national significance by pulling ropes around wheels attached to the bells.

Sue Morton, the tower captain, said: "Bells have been sounding out here for at least 500 years, but without a major restoration they will fall silent.

"The bells are becoming increasingly difficult to ring because the fittings are wearing out and the frame is a bit wobbly.

"We aim to create a ring of bells that will ring out in Bushey for the next 100 years or more. We believe that people will wish to contribute to maintaining an important local heritage."

The bells will be retuned and hung in a new securely mounted frame with new fittings and modern headstocks.

For more information contact Mrs Sue Morton on 01923 245542 or email: suemorton@btconnect.com.