THREE new recruits have joined the bellringing band at All Saints Church, Ilkley as part of the Ringing Remembers initiative.

The bells rang out on 11 November 1918 to announce the end of the Great War. However, about 1400 bellringers died during the War. The Ringing Remembers initiative was established by the Central Council of Church Bellringers, the Big Ideas Company and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to recruit that number of new ringers in time for them to be able to ring bells as part of the Armistice 100 commemorations.

New ringers Kathryn Hornsby, Shirley Burns and Damaris Bedford have been learning to ring over the last few months and were able to join in the midday ringing on Sunday, November 11 with great success.

Tower Captain Sue Green said: "Bells have marked events of great significance for centuries. Their function in the community is much wider than their role in the church, and we're really pleased that Kathryn, Shirley and Damaris are helping to keep our local band strong and in good health for the future."

Anyone wanting more information about local bellringing, and how to learn can find it at ilkleybellringing.org.uk