Youth bell ringing at Old Brampton has been 'highly commended' by the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART).
The young ringers were nominated for the Sarah Beacham Youth Group Award, for youth groups who are successfully recruiting, retaining and developing young ringers, at an awards ceremony in March.
They were awarded a prize of £200 to be spent on benefitting youth ringing at Old Brampton.
The young ringers take part in local and national ringing events, as well as enjoying ringing at Old Brampton and at other towers in Derbyshire.
Tower Captain Sue Hall said: "I am so proud of the young ringers for this achievement.
"The judges were particularly impressed that the youngsters included ringing in their school projects and presentations, and that they continue to enjoy ringing at university and take part in ringing events across the country."
As well as being fun, ringing provides confidence and builds teamwork and leadership skills.
One ringer, Ruby, said: "It makes me feel happy, it's different from anything else I do, and I enjoy seeing my friends."
Whilst another, Rowan, added: "There are loads of opportunities to try different things in different places with your friends."
A flexible approach to attendance allows the young people to pursue other activities as well as ringing.
Ringers from Old Brampton who are now at university also enjoy the friendship and support of their university ringing societies.
The young ringers have been voting to decide how the award money should be spent to benefit youth ringing at Old Brampton.
Ringing at Old Brampton will resume in due course, including lessons for any young person or adult who wishes to give it a try.
For further information and contacts please visit facebook.com/BellRingingDerbyshire or bellringing.org
What the young ringers said:
Ruby: 'It makes me feel happy, it's different from anything else I do, and I enjoy seeing my friends.'
Rowan: 'There are loads of opportunities to try different things in different places with your friends.'
Joseph: 'It's like one big family.'
Tom: 'I enjoy ringing at church and in the wider ringing community.'
Lucy: 'I like learning new methods.'
Alice: 'I enjoy being part of a group and progressing my knowledge of ringing.'
