The automatic bells that ring at St Albans Abbey will have a familiar ring next week when they play Vangelis’ Chariots of Fire to mark the opening of the Olympics.

At 8.12am on Friday, July 27, bells across the country will play the well-known tune to celebrate the start of the games.

The song has never been played in the cathedral before.

The abbey's canon chancellor, Canon Kevin Walton, said: "Since the tower was built by the Normans, bells have rung out to call people to worship, but also to herald events of great solemnity."

"We are delighted to share in this innovative, nationwide celebration of the games and we hope to hear bells ringing out across St Albans and the region."