Bell ringers from Richmond in North Yorkshire who cycled 350 miles to our own Richmond-upon-Thames were welcomed to St Mary Magdalene Church for a bell-ringing session on Sunday.

The new mayor of Richmond, David Linnette, and Richard Cheetham, Bishop of Kingston, welcomed the group, who made the journey to raise money for a new set of bells for the St Mary the Virgin church.

Eight ringers will take part in the ride from Richmond, Surrey, for a seven-day journey back to Yorkshire that will include ringing at churches and cathedrals on the way. They hope to raise money towards the £165,000 total cost of the new bells.

It is particularly significant to Bishop Richard as his first job, in 1978, was as a science teacher in the Yorkshire town. He was a regular member of the congregation at the St Mary the Virgin church.

Cllr Linnette, who joined local ringers along with the riders for the ringing session at the church in Paradise Road, described the experience as "wonderful and charming."

He wished the group a successful ride and congratulated them on their "imaginative fund-raising adventure."

The mayor welcomed the opportunity to strengthen links between the two towns, and said that the council were keen to build relationships with other Richmonds, as well as towns and cities in other parts of the world.

Peter Trewby, part of the Yorkshire ringers group, gave Cllr Linnette a gift of beer brewed in Richmond, Yorkshire, and said "we thought it was high time there was a collaboration between the two Richmonds."

Sarah Percival, tower captain of St Mary Magdalene, said: "We were delighted to welcome our fellow ringers and we hope to go to Richmond, Yorkshire when their new bells are installed – but not by bike."