Villagers raised �46,000 to restore the bells

Historic church bells, which were nearly thrown away by accident, are being re-hung after renovation.

The six bells, made in 1845, were the last to be cast at the Rudhalls foundry in Gloucester.

Church officials in Coaley were not aware of the bells' historic significance at first and had planned to dispose of them.

The community raised �46,000 for the bells to be re-tuned and re-cast and they were returned to St Bartholomew's Church on Monday, after being blessed by the vicar.

The Coaley Six, as they are known in bell-ringing circles, are regarded as rather difficult to handle.

While they have been away, the bell tower has also been revamped and it is hoped the new fixtures and fittings will make playing the bells easier.

"They had a reputation for being difficult to ring," said the Reverend Ian Robb.

"People were reluctant to learn but already people have volunteered to learn so the tradition of bell-ringing in Coaley will carry on."