AFTER school music group, the Kildwick MiniRingers are over the moon after sharing the top spot in the youth category of the annual bellringing ‘Oscars’ the Association of Ringing Teachers Awards.

This year’s ceremony, earlier this month, was held online with winners coming from America and Australia as well as the UK.

And, the 12 strong MiniRingers - representing almost 10 per cent of Kildwick Primary School - were named joint winners of the youth section with Elizabeth College, sharing prize money of £800.

Chris Wright, who teaches the group, said: “This achievement is remarkable, not least because of the age of the MiniRingers. Most take up ringing from early teens on. Our small hands won’t manage bells of up to three-quarters of a ton, so what we do is outside the normal run of things. To have this recognised is a thrill and an honour.”

He added: “Our MiniRingers are eagerly awaiting a re-start after Easter when we’ll resume our programme of ringing, bell casting, rope making and all sorts of bell-related activities.”

The MiniRingers is open to children in year 4 to year 6, after which several join the young ringers on the Kildwick Church bells.

In March, last year, the MiniRingers won both of the new bellringing trophies at Skipton Music Festival. During the last year, the group has met online with software allowing the ‘ringing’ of bells at home. They have even been joined by ringers from South Wales.