Bell ringer, 97, shows the ropes

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/staffordshire/8367282.stm

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A 97-year-old bell ringer has started teaching youngsters about the tradition to ensure it continues for future generations.

Bill Harding has been ringing the bells for the past 25 years at St Mary's Catholic Church in Brewood, Staffordshire.

Mr Harding said he still expected to be taking part in the ringing every day at noon when he reaches the age of 100.

However, he said he wanted to get children enthusiastic about it.

Mr Harding's wife Mary, who served in the same Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) unit as the young Princess Elizabeth during World War II, is buried close to the church door.

The great-grandfather, who has been helping the youngsters at nearby St Mary's Primary School, said he once had to jump out of the way when the rope snapped while ringing one the bells, but it had not put him off.

He said: "The bell itself came crashing down and I had to run for cover. I was frightened that the bell might fall through the roof, but fortunately it didn't."

Mr Harding added that only bad weather stopped him from making the mile-long walk from his home to the church each day.