Coronavirus: Church bell-ringers tribute to Kenny Rogers

Holy Trinity Church campanologists in the South Yorkshire village of Elsecar told locals via social media to keep their windows open as they played a greatest hits medley of Islands In The Stream, Lucille and Ruby.

But their tribute to the country legend, who has died aged 81, has not just hit the right notes with people in earshot - the bell-ringers look set to be the next online sensation after their Facebook post earned them overwhelming praise and requests for other songs to ring out daily at 6pm.

It follows impromptu performances by amateurs and world superstars including Coldplay, John Legend, P!NK and Keith Urban who have taken to social media to play in a bid to spread positivity.

WATCH: Listen to highlights of the Elsecar bell-ringers Kenny Rogers tribute in the video above and hear their full five minutes performance on the church's Facebook page – CLICK HERE.

Elsecar's bell-ringers, who use just eight tubular bells to recreate the musical hits, want to help relieve boredom for people staying indoors in a bid to to beat the killer virus and have asked for requests on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/holytrinityelsecar.

So far there have been calls for You'll Never Walk Alone, Stand By Me, You Are My Sunshine and Hallelujah. One mum said her children want to hear Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

And there's even been a request for The Star Wars theme - with a reply from the bell-ringers saying they will do it.

Rev Steve Chapman, vicar of Holy Trinity Elsecar, is proud and full of praise for the bell-ringers as he hopes it will keep spirits raised during challenging times.

Churchgoers cannot take part in services but he also wants people at home to join him in prayers on behalf of the community each day at 6pm.

He said: "It is with great sadness that we have to say that there will be no regular services until further notice at Holy Trinity Elsecar. If you have a baptism or wedding booked then of course we will review this nearer the time in the light of the information to hand.

"Please be assured of our prayers at this time. We are particularly concerned about those in the most vulnerable groups and will do our best to keep in contact"

He offered this prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, you taught us to love our neighbour and to care for those in need as if we were caring for you.

"In this time of anxiety, give us strength to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick and to assure the isolated of our love, and your love. For your name's sake. Amen"

The Archbishop of Canterbury is encouraging people to also show solidarity with those affected by the virus, our appreciation of NHS and emergency services, by putting a lighted candle in a window at home on Sunday at 7pm.

Here's what some have been saying about the Holy Trinity Church bell-ringing on Facebook:

Sarah Glymond: That's amazing well done Steve and elsecar bell ringers x

Rachel Louise: Such a good idea when people are stuck in their homes. Xx

Lisa Mason: Thank you for this on such a tough day xx

Ann Page: I think it's a lovely thing you are doing. Lifts the spirits.

Amanda Patton: Beautiful Cathy, thank you. Just the little lift we all need at this time.

Claire Parrish: Brilliant well done for adding a bit of cheer to this dull world at minute rip kenny xx

David Edward Kenyon: Listened to it from my bedroom window. Great.

Deborah Lomas: Fabulous musical walk with the dogs. Well done

Janet Smith: Wow that's brilliant, lovely, thank you

Alison Downend: This is a wonderful idea. Are you doing it every evening or just weekends? We live on Wendel Grove & it sounds lovely. Especially when the winds in the right direction and we can hear it a lot clearer. Xx

Liz Gatti: What about Star Wars theme tune x. Author Reply: We will

Matthew Smith: Stand by me by Ben E King

Ann Loxley: Hallelujah please xAmanda Patton: You'll Never Walk Alone? No pressure!

Laura Harper: Brilliant, my childrens request is twinkle twinkle little starJacqui Kirk: You are my sunshine.