THERE have been 817 of them but it is believed Jane Rutter is the first serving Mayor to ring Winchester Cathedral’s bells when she joined the local band for their regular practice night last Wednesday.

After climbing the 130 steps to the ringing chamber in the tower, she received some tuition sufficient to enable her to ring ‘rounds’ with them.

The Mayor said: “I very much enjoyed the experience and realise how much more training I will need to become a proficient bellringer. This historic art is well worth learning and I understand the cathedral band would welcome some new recruits!”

The Mayor is pictured with her tutor for the night – Colin Cook – and also photographed with some of the band including Tower Captain, Nick Bucknall (left) and Ringing Master, John Collis (right).