A CEREMONY has been held to rededicate church bells which underwent a £30,000 restoration project.

Grade I listed All Saints’ Church, in Maldon High Street, which dates back to the 13th century, features one of the only two towers in the country that contain a complete ring of historic Bowell Bells.

The eight bells, listed by the Church Buildings Council, were first installed in the 1700s and were modified by Bowell of Ipswich in 1922.

The bells were removed from the tower in February in order to replace the old bearings and clappers.

In May they were returned to the church ahead of a dedication service held on Sunday.

The service was led by Bishop of Chelmsford the Rev Stephen Cottrell.

Five former Maldon town mayors and current mayor Richard Miller all attended the event.