A LARGE sum of money has been raised after a historic band performed to fundraise for a church bell's restoration.

The Colchester Waits group played a select number of songs to raise money for St Andrew’s Church in Earls Colne.

The church is looking to raise £60,000 to £70,000 to restore their bells, which are long overdue a refurbishment.

More than 70 people turned up to be entertained by the historical band, with £1,080 being raised for the church’s bell restoration fund.

Tea, coffee, and cake was also served to guests, who all enjoyed the day.

Tower captain of the church bell ringers Trevor Beadle, 73, from Earls Colne, relished in the day’s success.

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He said: “It was a great day in the end, about 70 people came, which was better than we thought, as at one point we had only sold 30 or so, but we managed to sell a good amount on the door.

“I think people thought it was something different that they hadn’t heard before and they enjoyed the Colchester Waits performing.

“They played some songs, did some readings, and some modern live looping music too which was great to see new technology used for medieval instruments.”

The church are planning to hold another fundraiser for the bell restoration fund later on in the year.

Trevor added: “We will hopefully be trying to organise something in June.

“We might have a picnic, inviting various bell ringing groups in the area, to have a program of bell ringers, hopefully in the sunshine.

“But nothing has been discussed or finalised yet, it is still just ideas.”