By SARAH HARKER

THE bells of St Andrew's Church in Orford will be ringing out today for the first time in years thanks to the friends and family of a Warrington man.

Jack Middleton, of Windermere Avenue, died earlier this year and in his memory his three sons asked family and friends to make donations to the church appeal to repair the bells. Thanks to their generosity the bells are set to start ringing today, Thursday, to mark St Andrew's Day.

When the electric bell broke down in 1990 the church could not afford to have it repaired, but the memorial fund raised £400 for the appeal and Jack's three sons Stuart, Christopher and Anthony added to the amount to make it to £1,000. Parishioners and friends joined together to help raise the rest of the cash.

The Bishop of Warrington will say mass at today's service and dedicate the bell in Jack Middleton's memory. His grand-daughter Bethany, aged seven, will press the switch to start the bell ringing for the first time in ten years

Although Jack wasn't a regular churchgoer, his sons were members of St Andrew's choir and attended the church's school.

Jack greatly appreciated regular visits from Father Michael Raynor, the parish priest of St Andrew's during his illness.

Stuart Middleton, Jack's son, said: "It is satisfying to know that the donation will help the church in some small way. The sound of the bell adds to the charisma and make up of a church, especially for personal occasions like weddings or funeral services."

Father Michael Raynor, parish priest of St Andrew's said: "I am absolutely delighted at the bell being restored in the millennium year.

"Our dreams have turned into reality thanks to the generosity of all who have donated."