The beautiful sound of church bells ringing has been filling Norwich city centre today as the Church of St Peter Mancroft hosted a special competition.

Eastern Daily Press: Over 500 ringers from across the country take part in the National 12 Bell Striking Contest at the Church of St Peter Mancroft, Norwich.Picture by SIMON FINLAY.Over 500 ringers from across the country take part in the National 12 Bell Striking Contest at the Church of St Peter Mancroft, Norwich.Picture by SIMON FINLAY. (Image: Archant Norfolk.)

The National 12 Bell Striking Contest took place at the city church, and 500 bell ringers from across the country came to Norwich to enjoy the event.

Teams from Mancroft, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Exeter, Derby, Leeds, Towcester, and two teams from London, were all competing for the 2015 Taylor Trophy which was won by The Ancient Society of College Youths from London.

The St Peter Mancroft Guild of Ringers came eighth in the competition.

Simon Rudd, who is part of the Mancroft team and chairman of the Mancroft Appeal 300 committee, said: 'It is the biggest event in the bell ringing calender and we are immensely proud it is here in Norwich.

'We invited the competition to come in 2015 because it is an important year for us, because we are marking the anniversary of the first peal that was rung at St Peter Mancroft in 1715.

'It is very appropriate to have the competition here to help us celebrate.'

For more about the Mancroft Appeal 300 visit www.mancroftappeal300.co.uk