EARS will be ringing today as a bell striking competition takes place.

Bolton Parish Church's belfry will be alive with sound throughout Saturday as bell ringers from across the north west compete to be crowned champion strikers.

Cllr John Walsh, church warden at the church said: “Hopefully we’re going to have some high quality bell ringing heard across the town,”

Around six or seven teams are expected to compete today judged by the adjudicator who has travelled from Birmingham.

The North West 12 Bell Striking Competition will start at 11am today and each of the 12-strong teams have half an hour to perform.

Every team will perform the tune Plain Bob Maximus.

Last year the competition took place at Chester Cathedral. 

Cllr Walsh said they were ‘delighted’ to be able to host this year’s event.

He said: “We’re delighted they’re here this year, Bolton Parish Church is well known for having a very good tower with 12 bells."

Cllr Walsh said the competition will go on for ‘as long as it takes’ but the winner is expected to be announced by the adjudicator at about 4pm.

During the competition Cllr Walsh will be keeping the teams on their feet with refreshments and he encouraged the public to visit during the competition to hear the sonorous music in the church and its grounds.

He said: “The public are very welcome to come round and hear the bells and look round the church at the same time and there will be refreshments.”