Ding, dong, the bells are gone!
Bells that have towered above Braintree for more than 100 years have been taken down for refurbishment and will be returned in time to ring in the new millennium.
The pair of bells at St Peter's Church in Bocking End were removed yesterday.
Watching was the vicar, the Rev Trevor Diaper, who climbed the scaffolding to ensure everything ran smoothly.
The operation is being paid for from £6,000 generated from fundraising. Mr Diaper said the bells, cast in 1896, have not chimed for 22 years.
"When I first came to St Peter's and saw the bells did not work I encouraged the parish to try and ensure the voice of the church could be heard again," he added.
A winch was used to lower them for the journey to Oxfordshire for the facelift at Whites of Appleton bell foundry.
They will be returned in early September ready for a service of rededication and blessing by the Bishop of Colchester.
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