Chiming in - did you ever ring the bells in a Suffolk church?

Bell ringers at St. Mary Le Tower church in the centre of Ipswich in 2004 (Image: Archant)

Bell ringing in Suffolk and across the UK was suspended for many months due to the Covid pandemic, but has now returned with the easing of restrictions.

A bell ringing taster at Sproughton Church in 2007 (Image: Archant)

Most bells were silenced at the start of the first lockdown. It was described as "incredibly moving" when they were at last able to ring again - in some cases after a gap of more than a year.

Bell Ringers Ruth Suggett at St Mary's Church in Ixworth in 2008 (Image: Archant)

Today we are looking back at church bells and bell ringers around the area over the years.

Bell ringing enthusiasts during their visit to St Mary at the Quay Church in Ipswich in 2007 (Image: Archant)

Our photos include both regular bell-ringing teams and enthusiasts learning the ropes at a different church.

Eight girls from Horringer, including three pairs of sisters, were all part of the bell-ringing team at St Leonard's Church who met regularly every Thursday night. (Image: Archant)

There are also photos in our Days Gone By gallery which show historic bells being restored, so they can continue to chime for decades to come.

If you would like to order photos, visit our website or contact Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

Edwardstone church bells being removed in May 1986 (Image: Archant)