A search is under way for the family of a woman who gave bells to church more than 100 years ago.

When Mary Ann Holmes died on March 1, 1909, she left a set of small tubular bells in her memory to St John the Evangelist Church at North Rigton, near Pool.

Now, after a century of service, villagers want to replace the bells donated by Mrs Holmes with a full peal of six bells costing about £30,000.

But first, they need to trace the relatives of Mrs Holmes to decide what to do with the bells she donated last century and believe they could still be living in Otley or somewhere in Wharfedale.

The chairman of the North Rigton Church Bells Appeal, John Hopkins, says it is crucial to find the family of Mrs Holmes.

"We are anxious to make contact and speak with any descendants of Mary Ann Holmes to agree what should happen to the tubular bells," he said.

"If any of her descendants live anywhere in Wharfedale or anyone knows of them, we would like to hear from them.

"The old tubular bells have served the church well for over 100 years and need renewing."

The appeal for the new bells is a community project and involves villages surrounding North Rigton including Huby, Weeton, Castley and Stainburn.

"The appeal to raise £30,000 for a full set of six bells for the church centenary was launched earlier this year and is more than half way to its target, but we still have some way to go," said Mr Hopkins.

Anyone with information about the relatives of Mary Ann Holmes or who wants information about supporting the appeal for new bells is asked to contact Mr Hopkins on (01423) 734745 or go to the website almscliffehall.org.uk