A 19th century bell, found in a school basement, has been blessed by the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend David James.

Staff at Woodlands Church of England Primary School, Oakenshaw, Bradford, have brought the bell back into use, and ring it to mark the beginning and end of the school day.

Head teacher Andrew Wilcock said: “After finding the bell, we asked parents whether it should be placed on view for all to see or rehung and rung for the local community to hear, and they were very keen for it to be heard again.

The Bishop also blessed a stained glass window recently fitted at the front of the school.

Mr Wilcock said: “We are proud of our heritage and community feel. In today’s society there is a lot of pressure to keep moving forward with new technology, but I feel it’s also important for children to remember the past.

“Hopefully in the future when our children leave, they will remember when they were allowed to ring the school bell.”