A TEENAGE bell-ringer has been awarded a silver prize for his skills, writes Jennifer Rivett.

Andrew Denmark, who was 16 last Thursday, was presented with the award by the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers last month in Stewkley, near Aylesbury.

The teenager, who is studying for his GCSEs at Marlborough School, Woodstock, has been part of the team of bell-ringers at Church Hanborough for the past year, after being introduced to the tradition by a friend. He practises once a week and played at his cousin Anthony Simmons’ wedding in April.

Andrew, of Long Hanborough, said: “I feel very proud to have won this award, I was told that I had got something, but was very surprised to have got the silver.

“I thought I was just getting a ‘well done’ certificate, so I was very pleased to have achieved a higher accolade.

“I know this has made my parents very proud of me, as I have many problems with reading and writing, but I am very practical.”

He added: “I really enjoy bell-ringing and have made some good friends. I hope to continue for many years, and look forward to ringing for more weddings in the future.”

Mother, Paula Denmark, 52, said: “I am really proud of him. I was actually crying when he picked it up.

“He loves bell-ringing, he absolutely adores it. Every Thursday, he goes bell-ringing, and he goes to various other places as well.”