A PORTISHEAD schoolgirl has won a national award for bell-ringing.

Leah Gill has been named Young Lady Ringer of the Year in the Dorothy L Sayers Awards.

The 11-year-old Gordano School student started bell-ringing three years ago after a family friend introduced her to the age-old skill.

She attends Tuesday evening practice sessions at St Peter’s Church in Portishead and then rings at Sunday services.

Leah collected her award, and a cheque to allow her to attend a ringing course later in the year, at a special ceremony held at SS Quiricus & Julietta church in Tickenham earlier this month.