A campaign to raise £70,000 to restore a historic church’s eight bells has reached two thirds of its ambitious target.

The bellringers of St Peter’s in Ugborough have been fundraising since last year for the restoration project, which will include the repair of three cracked bells and the overhaul of the running gear.

The last major work on the bells was carried out more than 100 years ago.

Fundraising continues this weekend with a Big Breakfast on Saturday, March 11 from 8.30am to 12.30pm in Ugborough Village Hall.

This follows a series of events last year starting with a successful flower festival in May, a barbecue at local festival Ugfest, an auction of promises raising nearly £5,000 and serving turkey baps and mulled wine at Ugborough Christmas Fair.

Bell captain Anthony Lugger said: "We have had amazing support from the people of Ugborough and the surrounding areas, and also from further afield. We have held a number of fundraising events that have been really popular, and this has really encouraged the ringers, especially as the target is now within our sight."

Big Breakfast organiser Jacqueline Lugger added: "The bell ringers will be cooking and serving breakfasts from continental to a ’big bell breakfast’, a full English, which will include locally produced sausages from Aune Valley Meat and bacon from Ludbrook Butchers.

"Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a sociable and delicious breakfast and contribute towards keeping the bells ringing for the next 100 years."