Ding dong sing song

RINGING out . . . the restored bell

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Church bell rings for first time in half a century

A QUARTET of choirs raised the roof at St Patrick’s Church as the parish bell tolled for the first time in 54 years.

Molly Marley (12) an altar server who has attended the Union Street West Church all her life, was selected to ring the historic bell following extensive restoration work.

The church was packed to see the African Choir, folk group SpiritUs the all-female Soul Inspiration and the Filipino Choir perform a selection of uplifting festive and religious songs to mark the momentous occasion.

Molly was chosen by raffle: “I love coming to church here so I was so happy when my number was picked to toll the bell.”

Parish priest Father Phil Sumner said: “This is an auspicious occasion full of colour, full of music and full of celebration as we give voice to the bell.”