BELLRINGER John Pusey is appealing for new members to ring saintly sounds at a North Oxford Church.

There are about 10 regular bellringers at St Giles’ Church but they are on the look out for experienced people as well as beginners to boost numbers.

Mr Pusey, the tower captain, has been bellringing for about 50 years and with the St Giles’ group since 1976. The 73-year-old, who used to work at the Bodleian Library, said: “Bellringing is a lifetime hobby – the best time to start is 12 or 13 years old.

“You use so many different skills. You have to keep control of the bell and make it do what you want and you need physical strength.”

The church tower has eight bells, with one dating as far back as 1630.

The group, which rings on Sundays from 9.45am to 10.30am and 5.45pm to 6.30pm and practises every Thursday, has members aged 13 to 75.

Call Mr Pusey on 01865 723645 for more information.