A £75,000 appeal has been launched to restore the bells at All Saints Parish Church in Runcorn to their former glory.

The bells cast in 1851 are the second oldest eight in Cheshire and the only ones left in the town.

If funds are not raised it is feared the dilapidated bells could fall silent as they would become too dangerous to ring.

No maintenance for more than 80 years and a pigeon infestation has left them in an appalling condition.

Campaigners hope saving the bells could attract many more people to become ringers.

Ringing master Rich Westman, of Dale Street, said: “I have been a church bell ringer for 17 years and these are the worse I have ever seen.

“If they are restored we could teach younger people. Children from All Saints Parish School have visited the bell tower and were absolutely fascinated.

“We’re hoping to ring for the opening of the new bridge.”

The 25-year-old comes from five generations of bell ringers and tower captain Bill Allman’s heritage dates back to his great grand parents.

“It is an ancient art,” said Rich.

“Every sound of the bell is a public performance and has to be the best you can get it.”

He dispelled myths surrounding campanology, the study of bells.

“You don’t need to be strong or musically inclined,” said Rich.

“I am not the strongest person yet I rang in the new year on the heaviest bells at Liverpool Cathedral.

“I feel so proud when I’m ringing.

“Wherever I go ringers are friendly and welcoming.”

The funding would completely restore and overhaul the bells.

Everything would be taken out of the belfry and the bells would be grit blasted.

The crack on the fifth bell would be repaired and all the bells retuned.

All fixtures and fittings would be replaced and five steel beams installed to support the refurbished original oak frame from 1851.

“Bells evoke such strong feelings,” added Rich. “For weddings they bring back feelings of joy and wonder.”

Anyone wishing to donate or become a bellringer can e-mail rich.westman@gmail.com.