Bell-ringing resumes for Sunday morning services at St Michael's Church in Bishop's Stortford

Bell-ringing has resumed at St Michael's Church in Bishop's Stortford – but the campanologists face Covid-19 restrictions.

One of the team, Anne Brolly, said: "There's been an eerie stillness across the centre of Stortford, rather than the regular gentle chiming of our 10 bells as the service begins each week.

"This, of course, might have been welcomed by those who might prefer a longer sleep, but to those that enjoy rising from their slumber to the accompaniment of one of England's oldest musical traditions, we are pleased to say that we have now resumed ringing for Sunday services, albeit with some comprehensive risk assessments and social distancing for our members in place.

"The restart of ringing is perhaps not as varied and joyful as before the lockdown, as we have only been able to ring alternate bells in the tower, to enable a two-metre distance between each ringer."

They have been following guidance from the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, restricting the number of people in the tower at one time and sticking to the same rope for the duration of ringing.

Anne said: "The physical aspect of what we do – pulling on a rope attached to a heavy bell, in sequence with the others in the band, while wearing a face mask – does present some challenges for our members, but we are currently ringing for a much shorter time than usual.

"Unfortunately, the bell tower is still closed to visitors and our practice nights are still on hold, including those for new members."

The group hopes tower visits will resume as restrictions are eased further. For more details email tower captain Nick Hughes at bells@stmichaelweb.org.uk.