Bells ring out for 100th birthday

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A man, believed to be Britain's oldest bell ringer, celebrated his 100th birthday by ringing a peal at his village church.

Norman Yeo said he has no plans to retire from ringing at All Saints Church in Long Ashton, near Bristol.

The campanologist, who celebrates his centenary tomorrow, has been ringing the bells for the last 85 years.

The retired gardener, who drives his three-wheeled Reliant Robin to church, said his hobby helped his longevity.

Speaking from his home in the village he said: "Ringing keeps me fit but I do find the 52 steps to the belfry a struggle.

"I used to sing in the choir, but my voice broke when I was 15 so I didn't think I would be able to continue."

Old bell ringers never die, they just lose their place Alan Chantler, central council of church bell ringers

Mr Yeo, who celebrates his 100th birthday on Monday, said: "My father was a bell ringer at the church and he asked me to come along with him. I picked it up quite quickly and have never looked back.

"It's like riding a bike, you never forget how to do it. It still brings me an enormous amount of pleasure as it is such a lovely sound."

A special service was held at All Saints on Sunday morning to celebrate his achievements and long service.

Mr Yeo's nephew David, 76, is the captain of All Saints belfry. He said it was absolutely incredible his uncle had been doing it for so long.

"There's lots of elderly bell ringers in the country but it is believed he's now the eldest."

Alan Chantler from the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers said Mr Yeo was an example to everyone.

'Wonderful example'

He said: "It's absolutely remarkable that Mr Yeo has kept on bell ringing for such a long time.

"It just goes to show that ringing church bells keeps you mentally and physically fit.

"He has set a wonderful example that many would like to follow but sadly few do.

"Old bell ringers never die, they just lose their place."