A TEAM of bellringers was 'delighted' to win a contest in Dent.

St Mary's Church Dalton bellringers took the win at The Lancashire Association Furness Branch Striking Competition at Dent Parish Church in August.

Four teams competed - Dalton, Ulverston, Cartmel and Crosthwaite.

Jayden Milby, the conductor of the team in Dalton, said they were 'delighted' to win the contest after missing out on the trophy last year.

He said: "A lot of practice and preparation went in as a team to improve our striking and we were all proud of our performance on the night. Of the 4 teams that entered (Dalton, Ulverston, Cartmel and Crosthwaite), the Dalton team received some excellent feedback on the quality of our ringing and Owen, who rang the treble, got a special mention for the quality of his ringing throughout the ’test piece’. We also won the Cumbria-themed quiz meaning we had 2 wins for the night. 

"We were all very proud to have represented Dalton and it was also great that we had 3 younger members in the band meaning there was an age difference of nearly 60 years between our oldest and youngest member."

The band members were Owen Osmotherley, Rachel Hallows, Peter Stockbridge, Jeg Gray, Iwan Cotgreave and Jayden Milby.

In the same month, Carlisle Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers presented a trophy to Iwan Cotgreave as the Young Ringer of the Year Award.

When home from university, the 20-year-old attends both Barrow and Dalton practices as well as Sunday ringing for both towers, weddings and other occasions such as supporting ringers to new achievements.

The team is always looking for new recruits at both Dalton and Barrow towers. Those interested can get in contact with Dalton in Furness Saint Mary's Parish Church Society of Change Bell Ringers via Facebook or via the Parish website daltonparish.co.uk