A THREE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR-LONG bell ring happened on St Davids Day in Abergavenny.

Bell ringers from across Wales attended the St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny, for one of the country’s best ring of bells to mark the national day.

The bells at St Mary’s are well known in the ringing world. The current ten bells were installed in 1947 to mark the end of World War Two. And one of the original bells, dated from 1308, is now on display inside the church for visitors to see.

The event was organised by Andrew John of St Catwg’s Church, Cadoxton, who is a member of the Llandaff and Monmouth Association.

He said: “The Bells at St Mary’s Priory were recently described as the ‘golden grail of bells’. It is a real privilege to be able to welcome ringers from across Wales to celebrate St David’s Day by ringing what I consider to be the best ring of bells in the Principality.”

Ringing a peal of bells is not for the inexperienced. All those taking part are well trained ringers.

“It would take a few years for any new ringers to be able to manage a full peal,” said Mr John. “It can be quite hard work ringing for that length of time non-stop but also quite enjoyable if the ringing is good.”