York Minster's public appeal for new bells to commemorate the life of the Queen Mother is being wound up, still £70,000 short of its target.

The shortfall is now to be made up by contributions from Friends of York Minster, the Dean and Chapter of York and the York Minster Fund, although appeal organisers said today they would still welcome donations. The Minster Chapter Steward, Brig Peter Lyddon, said it was "disappointing" not to have reached the target, but that it had still been a worthwhile appeal and a fitting tribute to the Queen Mother's 100th birthday. He said it had always been the intention to halt fundraising on her birthday, earlier this month. The appeal, which was launched by the Duke of York in February, had aimed to raise £250,000, including £50,000 for extra bells in the South-West Tower. But from the start the cash was slow to roll in. The extra bells will not now be bought. About £130,000 has been received out of the £200,000 needed in order to pay for the six main bells and administrative costs.

Cheques made payable to the York Minster Bells Appeal can still be sent to Church House, Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JN.