THE bells are certainly ringing in Levisham and Lockton.

The Levisham and Lockton Handbell Ringers, known locally as LL's Bells, have come into money.

The National Lottery Awards for All programme has given the ringers a grant of £4,251.

This means that LL's Bells can buy its very own set of 25 handbells. Two sets provides two chromatic octaves and will mean the Bells can play a lot more notes than they could with their previous, borrowed 15-bell set.

Anne Deebank, speaking for the group, said they were all truly thrilled. The group's numbers have increased so much over the last couple of years that they were unable to all play together due to the shortage of instruments.

"Now we shall be able to play as a complete team - as well as being able to take on more members."

There are great hopes of being ready with Christmas carols. The group also wants to start a young people's group.

"We've had an awful lot of support from villagers in Levisham and Lockton for this project, for which we're extremely grateful," said Anne.

"We are really looking forward to sharing our success with them."

The LL's Bells practice in Levisham Village Hall on Tuesday evenings at 7pm and are always happy to welcome new members.

Anne said: "The really good thing about handbell ringing is that you don't need to be able to read music to do it.

"It's easy to learn the technique and almost anyone can be helping to play a tune in a few minutes."

For further information contact Anne Deebank on (01751) 460274 or Sue Wright on (01751) 460329.

Updated: 09:33 Wednesday, July 24, 2002