LES Stevens, 91, of Hemyock, is among the UK’s oldest bellringers - and is now helping the next generation to step up to the peal.

Mr Stevens has almost eight decades of experience as a bellringer, having started at the age of just 14 when he learned the trade in St Andrews Church in Feniton.

He plays the bells for almost every Sunday service in Hemyock, alongside the bellringing band - many of whom he helped to teach. Mr Stevens said his strong bond with his bandmates is as enjoyable as playing the music.

He said: “I like the company, it’s good company and that’s what counts. It is good exercise too, it helps to keep me fit.”

Mr Stevens was born in Devon and spent 51 years working on a farm owned by the late Brigadier Peter Acland, where he helped to grow and harvest crops.

The band’s youngest member is 19-year-old Carla, whose mother Mr Stevens helped teach and to whom he has passed down his wisdom to help bring a new generation into the fold.

Mr Stevens’ bandmates said he was a real asset to the team, and that they were delighted by his company on Sunday services.

Mr Stevens was keen to demonstrate his skills - joining his team in an impromptu performance where he demonstrated he hasn’t lost his touch.

The current bells in St Mary’s Church were re-hung in 1906, just 12 years before Mr Stevens was born in 1918, and still regularly ring out for Sunday service, weddings and funerals.