A SCHOOL bell that played a defining role in Titley’s history has reclaimed its place at the heart of the village after residents saw it for sale on the internet.

The bell was silenced during the Second World War, when it was banned from ringing, but marked the moment villagers heard the conflict was over.

Roger Pye, a former pupil at the school and son of the last headmistress, Daisy Pye, said: “The announcement was given out at around 12 o’clock, so mum had great joy in going out and ringing the bell – the Special Constable came to lay the law down but she just said ‘oh, haven’t you heard?’.”

Now, 60 years on, it will ring again – this time at the door of John Cromar, who lives in the converted building with his family.

Aware he had been searching for some time, neighbours let him know it had turned up on eBay – and he successfully bid £156.

Mr Cromar is also looking for a plaque from the school library depicting a hand holding a torch of learning. To help, email johncromar@ treescan.co.uk