The Minster clock on the tower of St Mary's Parish Church in Axminster is not chiming at the moment.

This is because the bells have been dismantled for maintenance.

The bearings and clappers have all been removed for servicing in addition a few other minor jobs to ensure that the bells stay in the best condition.

This is the first time that the bearings have been overhauled since they were installed 16 years ago.

The clock will not be able to chime until the works are completed in about five weeks. The job requires the lifting of the bells and the church has engaged the services of a local bell founder, Nicholson's Engineering of Bridport, to carry out the work.