CONSIDERATE campanologists at St Laurence-in-Thanet church want to raise money for leather mufflers to quieten their bells.

St Laurence-in-Thanet Change Ringers are hoping to fit leather bell muffles to drown out the clanging of bells when they practise on Tuesday evenings.

Tues 1 Feb 2011. - Bellringers at St Lawrence Church, Ramsgate. - John Paramor.
Tues 1 Feb 2011. - Bellringers at St Lawrence Church, Ramsgate. - John Paramor.
Tues 1 Feb 2011. - Bellringers at St Lawrence Church, Ramsgate. - John Paramor.
Tues 1 Feb 2011. - Bellringers at St Lawrence Church, Ramsgate. - Rosemary Cryle.
Tues 1 Feb 2011. - Bellringers at St Lawrence Church, Ramsgate. - John Paramor.
IN ACTION: John Paramour rings the bells at St Laurence-in-Thanet GIDS20110201A-013_C
Tues 1 Feb 2011. Bellringers at St Lawrence Church, Ramsgate.

The 13-strong group of bell-ringers is looking to raise £600 to pay for ten leather muffles to drown out the sound for nearby neighbours, and sensors to play the noise inside.

Tower captain Freda Parker has been ringing bells for 40 years, including at Canterbury Cathedral, after becoming interested in the hobby while a Guide.

She said: "We have all the noise going outside and every time we ring. We are performing and sometimes people don't need to hear it. If we could get the muffles fitted then we could practise even more."

The group hopes to secure a £100 donation from the Nethercourt and Southwood Residents' Association. It plans to raise the rest of the money by holding events at the church.