BE a bell ringing anorak! That's the message from St John's church members who are planning to show people the ropes at their fete this weekend.

A birdseye view of Bromsgrove, then ringing ten bells in the bell tower are on offer on Saturday from 2-4pm.

Retired bell-ringer, 61-year-old Paul Evans, said: "I have been a bell ringer on and off for 20 years. It's been great and sociable. People go all over the country ringing church bells, and ticking them off their lists. It's quite like train spotting."

Paul said he stepped aside as captain to make way for younger people.

The present bell captain, 23-year-old Sarah Franklin, learned the ropes growing up in Swindon and also at St Aldgate's Church in Oxford when she was at university.

Apart from bell-ringing, other attractions on offer at the church off Kidderminster Road include a display of vintage cars and numerous stalls and a Fair Trade cafe.

Those who are interested in bell-ringing, but can't get to the fete, are urged to contact Sarah Franklin at stjohnsbromsgrove@btinternet.com.