VILLAGERS are being asked to lend their ears to an idea which could lead to church bells chiming across their community.

Holy Trinity Church in Dobcross, which featured in the film blockbuster ‘Yanks,’ has never had a peal of bells in its proud history.

But on Saturday locals have been invited to the picturesque Grade Two listed building to give their views on a demonstration of a digital electronic bell system which could play at weddings, funerals and festivals.

Roy Hopkinson, aged 83, a member of the parochial church council, said his son Michael is planning to wed at the church later this month.

“We get lots of requests for couples who want bells to be rung on their wedding day before and after the service but sadly we’ve never been able to grant their wishes.

“Now the church is listening and reaching out to people and the bells are a great traditional way of reminding and encouraging folk to come to church.”

Holy Trinity’s churchwardens and parochial Church council officers have held discussions and talked to local churches with audio bells, researching quotes on price and suitability.

Mr Hopkinson, a staunch churchgoer, was married at Holy Trinity in 1958 and his two sons were christened at the church.

He added : “We would have to consult with the Manchester diocese to take any plan forward.

“But if the villagers did approve the idea we would not have the chimes sounding at night.

“The company hosting the digital presentation plan to erect two sound systems on the church clock tower as part of the demonstration.

“Our clock mechanism is modern and regularly maintained and one idea might be to integrate this with a digital chime system but not overnight.

"We would like to involve the community in the decision making, so we hope people will ‘listen in’ on the day and let us know their views.”

The demonstration will take place 10 a.m on Saturday at the church at Woods Lane.

For more information, email churchwarden Paul Wooding at: churchwarden@holytrinitydobcross.org.uk.