He’s 97 – but that doesn’t stop Bill Harding pulling his weight when it comes to his bell ringing.

Just before noon every day for the past 25 years, the slightly-built figure has become a familiar sight in Brewood, heading for St Mary’s Catholic Church to ring the Angelus bells.

He pulls a quarter-of-a-ton weight for the standard 18 peals and fully expects to be carrying out the ritual when he is 100. The bells can be heard two miles away on a clear day.

The ringing of the Angelus bells is a Catholic tradition celebrating the biblical story of the Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. Bill also rings the bells for weddings and funerals.

The sprightly great-grandfather walks the mile to the church from his flat in the village, stopping off at the British Legion club in Shop Lane on the way back for a half-pint. Until recently his tipple was bitter but these days he prefers orange juice.