SINCE 1968 when he took over the voluntary unpaid job from the late Charles Lyle, Ralph Chapman has been responsible for the upkeep of the tower of Holsworthy Parish Church and the maintenance of the bells, the clock and carillon, but now, after 44 years he has decided to hand over to a younger man, writes Christine Williams our Holsworthy correspondent.

He has regularly inspected the 70-foot high tower which was built in 1450 and climbed the 80 steps to check, lubricate and if necessary adjust the time of the clock. The present clock was erected in 1869 and was originally hand wound but for the past 20 years has been electrically driven.

For the full report, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.