BELL towers across the area are opening up to the public this weekend as part of the national Heritage Open Day initiative.

Churches in Kinver, Hagley, Clent and Belbroughton are all hosting events this weekend as a way of encouraging people to take up the popular pastime.

The Central Council of Church Bellringers hopes people will discover the heritage hidden inside England's bell towers and bring to life the 400-year old tradition of English-style bell ringing.

St Peter's Church in Kinver will be open on Saturday (September 10) between 10am to 4pm where ringing demonstrations will be going on throughout the day.

Ringers will also be holding tower tours between 10am and 11am, as well as one between 2.30pm and 4pm.

Holy Trinity Church in Belbroughton and St Leonard's Church in Clent are also open on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

St John the Baptist Church in Hagley is open between 3pm and 5pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with hand bell demonstrations being carried out at 4pm each day.

The tower, which does not normally open to the public for safety reasons, will host the demonstrations, while visitors will be able to have a go at hand bell ringing.

Richard Scarth, organiser of the Hagley event, said: “Bell ringing is a real traditional English pastime.

“Once you get the hang of it, it’s great fun and you’ll be welcome in any of the 6,000 bell towers worldwide.

“There’s often a certain mystique about what goes on in bell towers but there are lots of reasons to come and have a go and find out more.”

Numbers are limited at Hagley and priority will be given to those who book. To book, email Richard at ringers@hagleycofe.co.uk with the day and times of attendance.