BELLS will ring out across Stroud in solidarity with Notre Dame after the devastating fire this week.

The sight of the 850-year-old cathedral in Paris engulfed in flames shocked the world on Monday (April 15).

The blaze tore through the iconic building, destroying its roof and causing its spire to collapse – but leaving its two famous towers still in tact.

Notre Dame's rector has said the cathedral will be closed for five to six years.

As a mark of respect and solidarity, Stroud's St Laurence Church has agreed to toll its bells for seven minutes from 7pm on Thursday evening (April 18).

It is part of a national initiative suggested by the British ambassador to France.

Since the fire, more than a billion euros have been raised by people all over the world to help repair Notre Dame.