Bells have been rung around the Island to mark the start of the 2012 London Olympic games.

Manx churches have been taking part in UK artist Martin Creed's project to encourage people across the UK to ring any type of bell as quickly and loudly as possible, for three minutes, from 12 minutes past eight.

In Peel the local bell ringers at St German's cathedral supported the event and made a joyful sound over the west of the Island.

In Ballabeg, 10 members of the W.I Ballabeg Village Handbell Ringers rang in the Olympics whilst walking down the road there, to the delight of local residents.

At St Georges church in Douglas, a single bell tolled out - the main peal couldn't be used as the members of the bell ringers' organisation didn't wish to take part. They felt they were not given enough notice and couldn't peal the bells properly in the three minutes.

They will ring the bells at midday for half an hour.

The St Georges Bell was rung this morning by the Vicar of St George's Archdeacon the Venerable Andrew Brown using an automatic system.

Marian Kenny was there for Manx Radio . . .