Bellringers and volunteers today helped lower bells from their church tower for the first time in more than 200 years for a long overdue restoration.

A team from the RAF Transport Department, in Benson, will take the eight bells from St Helen’s Church in the village to White’s Bell Foundry, in Appleton, so bearings and clappers can be replaced. The worn-out oak structure from which they hang will also be replaced.

The heaviest bell weighs about 1,600lb (730kg). The bells will be reinstated in four months.

Without the £60,000 refurbishment, bell ringers said the future of the ‘Benson peal’ would have been at risk.

Tower captain John Tchighianoff said it was a significant moment in the church’s history.

He said: “The bells had become harder to ring and it is difficult when you are teaching learners.

“The bells were difficult to control. The work won’t make a difference to the sound and they won’t need anything done on them for 100 years or so.”