THE bells are ringing out again at a York church.

An urgent appeal was launched by the Church of St Mary and St Nicholas, at Wigginton, after its bell tower was badly damaged in a storm last October.

Worshippers managed to raise £5,000 within two weeks and the two bells - one of which dates back to 1424 - have been fully restored.

Churchwarden Sarah Tugwell said: "This was quite an achievement, but, as the church is currently without a vicar, it's even more of an outstanding accomplishment by everyone involved."

The current church building was built in 1860.

Updated: 11:15 Monday, January 27, 2003