AN INCREDIBLE total has been raised for a town church to refurbish its tower bells after over a century since their last refurbishment. 

The tower at St Mary's Church, in Chirk, was completed in 1519 with a ring of six bells being cast in 1814 and re-hung in 1912.

While remaining in good condition after an impressive 112-years, many of the fittings and frictional parts are coming to their end and desperately need replacing.

St Mary's has had an active band of bell ringers over the decades, being used regularly for services, weddings and special occasions, both local and national.

In March this year, an appeal was launched, supported by the High Sheriff of Clwyd Mrs Kate Trevor, to raise £60,000 for a refurbishment of the existing six bells and to add two new ones to complete the octave.

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The response from the community of Chirk has been fantastic with individuals, businesses and community groups being incredibly supportive and generous.

Peter Furniss, Tower Captain at St Mary's and lead of the project said: "Some of the community groups who have supported the appeal include Chirk Town Council, Glyn Wylfa, Chirk Freemasons and The Red Dragon with particularly generous donations from Deja Bru and Chirk Brownies.

"Grant making bodies have also supported the appeal and most recently we were awarded a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund which means we have reached the target of £60,000 in less than six months.

"A huge thank you to everyone for their support including National Lottery players!"

It is hoped that work on the bells will start early next year with the project completed by the middle of next year.