WEST Somerset bellringer Thea Tasker is planning to celebrate her 75th birthday in June with a sponsored climb of the highest mountain in Wales, Mount Snowdon.

Ms Tasker took up bellringing in the Church of St George, Dunster after retiring about five years ago.

She said: “Having always appreciated the sound of church bells I started going to practice sessions and found it to be an interesting and challenging activity.

“People of any age or gender can participate and receive instruction and encouragement from a teacher.

“It is rewarding to be part of something that has such a long tradition in this country.”

She wants to raise £1,000 from the Snowdon climb to put toward essential maintenance of the church bells after an inspection of the tower revealed some repair and maintenance work was necessary for them to be rung regularly and safely.

Ms Tasker said: “I am approaching my 75th birthday and was planning an activity that would be a personal achievement.

“I enjoy walking, but know this will not be easy, requiring stamina and determination and will stretch my energy levels.

“I am walking every day, so lucky to live close to Exmoor.

“Grabbist Hill is a few minutes away and there is a steep path to the top which takes me 30 minutes there and back.”

Ms Tasker said there were six designated paths to the 3,400 feet summit of Snowdon and she will be be walking the nine-mile Llanberis Path, which takes about seven hours.

St George’s incumbent the Rev Kenneth Cross said: “Bells do need maintenance to perform at their best, and we are able to carry out much of this ourselves.

“However, over the years jobs that are beyond our skills come up, and for that type of work funding is needed to make it happen.

“Thea has a Just Giving page and would be pleased to receive support for her challenge.

“If you can help her towards her target we would all be very grateful.”

So far, Ms Tasker has raised more than £200. Her fund-raising page can be found here.