Money is urgently needed to pay for major repairs to a 335-year-old bell at a Burton Latimer church.

An estimated £1,000 has to be collected before the bell – one of seven at St. Mary the Virgin – can be recast.

So far church members have raised £140 and plans are now being made to hold a street collection to boost the fund.

It is hoped that at least 30 volunteers will take part in the collection, which is expected to be held before Christmas.

“The parochial church council has accepted that it would certainly be the wish of the whole town that St Mary’s peal must be preserved for future generations, and a public appeal has therefore been opened for funds to meet the immediate cost,” said church warden Mr Reg Matravers.

Once the money for the repairs has been raised the bell will be recast by a London firm. The work is expected to be started in the New Year and be completed about four months later.

Anyone who would like to volunteer for the street collection should contact either Mr Matravers, at 43 Churchill Way, or treasurer Mr Brian Mutlow, at 65 Churchill Way.