TODDLERS are backing an appeal to make an ancient bell ding-dong merrily in Bongs!

Tyldesley Top Chapel bell hasn't rung in ages, although they did get a slight 'tink' out of it last week.

Now the race is on to get it chiming in time to ring in the new Millennium.

And to highlight their search for someone who can repair it, youngsters from the Noak's Ark playgroup have been making a few bells of their own.

Top Chapel spokesman Christine Jones told The Journal: "The problem is the bell hasn't moved for a long time but a scaffolder from the town's Hi-Tec company kindly went up and freed it but discovered there's a crack in it.

"We did get a little chirp out of it but now we are hoping somebody who knows about bells and with a head for heights may be able to repair it. Otherwise it means a new bell might have to be cast.

"If it can be repaired Pastor John Wilson is determined to be the first to ring it."

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