The gold standard of bell ringing was performed at a city church to mark the 50th anniversary of its closure.

A peal, in which the bells are rung continuously in more than 5,000 different sequences and typically takes three hours, was performed at All Saints' Church in Westlegate.

Maintained by Norwich Historic Churches Trust (NHCT), the church has been redundant since 1973 and is used now as an antique centre and cafe.

READ MORE: Strictly winner will be star attraction at city festival

The ringers at All Saints' rang a piece known as Cambridge Surprise Minor last Wednesday evening, conducted by David Brown.

Norwich Evening News: Bell ringers performed a peal at All Saints' Church in WestlegateBell ringers performed a peal at All Saints' Church in Westlegate (Image: Norfolk Historic Churches Trust)

There is a set of six bells in the church's 15th-century tower, with one dating back to 1647 having been moved and put on display at St Martin at Palace Plain.

Its bells were restored and have been maintained to ring for church services, with the bell ringers of St Giles Church practising there once a month.

Among those who took part in the peal were NHCT ringer and trustee Chris McCarthy, who said: “Norwich has a long tradition of bell ringing. The first peal actually took place in Norwich, which used to compete with London.

READ MORE: School plan permanent tribute as 'Queen of Mile Cross' died aged 88

“It is a long time to ring bells but Norwich harbours many talented church bell ringers.”

Norwich Evening News: All Saints' Church in WestlegateAll Saints' Church in Westlegate (Image: Newsquest)

The first peal at All Saints' was rung in 1920.

Mr McCarthy added: “We are trying to generate more interest in the cityscape of medieval churches, which as a collective is really important.”

READ MORE: Thas bootiful, bor! New kids' TV show features Norfolk accent

NHCT is planning a bigger event in June 2024 where they will be inviting people to St Margaret's Church in St Benedicts Street.

Norwich Evening News: St Margaret's Church in St Benedicts Street, NorwichSt Margaret's Church in St Benedicts Street, Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

The restoration of the grade I listed building has totalled nearly £800,000 and NHCT is hoping work will be completed next spring.

It closed as a church in 1975 and has been used as a gym and an art exhibition over the years, with hopes to include a piano bar in future.