The last time church bells rang out over Alfold was 1913. Now the village, near Horsham, is once again being treated to the divine clanging of St Nicholas Church.

After 90 years of silence, three new bells have been added and the existing ones fixed to bring the church to life.

Rector John Burley said: "It's terrific. It has been a lot of hard work but I am delighted to see it happen.

"Everybody has been very excited about it. We thought some of the neighbours might not be too happy about it but nearly all of them have been involved in some way so they are really thrilled."

The church was struck by lightning in 1913 and since then its bells could not be rung in peals because of damaged hammers.

However, it has taken until now to put the bells right.

The renovation work has taken ten years to come to fruition following repeated funding setbacks.

The project came to life a year ago and villagers have since raised almost £57,000 to put the bells back in working order.

Mr Burley said: "We have had some help from other sources but it is mainly the people of the village who have made this happen.

"A team of ringers is being trained and we expect the first official wedding bells to toll in April next year."

Vanessa Chapman, who lives in Alfold, said it had become a community affair.

She said: "The support in the town has been amazing. We were a bit worried people might have a problem with the noise, but everyone has been great.

"It's just lovely to hear them ringing - it's not too loud, it's just mellow. All the effort people have put into it has been well worth it."