A CHURCH bellringing peal attempt on the 12 bells at Crediton Parish Church got off to a good start on Saturday, October 30, but it did not end well!

The method peal known as Bristol Surprise Maximus was being rung by a band drawn largely from the Bristol Society and, had it been successful, would have lasted for approximately 3.5 hours.

Geoff Sparling, Holy Cross Tower Captain explained what happened: "Unfortunately, once again after two-and-a-quarter hours’ very good ringing the clapper in the 10th bell fell out when the bolt holding it in place sheared.

"In falling, the clapper also damaged the linkage wires for the clock chime.

"For this reason the clock has been stopped to prevent further damage."

Mr Sparling added: "This is at least the fifth clapper failure amongst the four heaviest bells and certainly the second time this clapper has failed."

At this time no decision has been made about the repairs, costs or how to prevent it happening again in the future.