A CHURCH in Runcorn needs help in raising £75k to refurbish its 170-year-old bells.

All Saints church has been sitting on the banks of the Mersey since 1851 and its bells are the second oldest complete ring of eight in Cheshire.

However, the bells need major work after nearly 170 years of service have taken their toll, including broken iron bolts, broken woodwork and two broken wheels over the past year.

Nicholson Engineering Ltd have been contracted to bring the bells into the 21st century, whilst retaining the original oak frame.

The work will cost approximately £75,000 and the church wish to raise the money by the end of the year.

The church has already received grants from Chester Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers, Allchurches Trust and Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, but urgently need donations from the public.

You can donate by sending a cheque to Rich Westman, 27 Dale Street, Runcorn, WA7 5PF, or via the GoFundMe page.

Gift Aid forms are downloadable via the Facebook page or by emailing rich.westman@gmail.com.