A 10-and-a-half ton bell affectionately known as Little John has been put forward as a potential replacement for the world-renowned chimes of Big Ben.

Time stood still in Westminster on Wednesday lunchtime as Big Ben failed to chime. The famous bell at the top of the Elizabeth Tower fell silent at 1pm after the clock stopped.

The chimes of Big Ben rang out around Westminster for the first time in almost three months today - but people were advised not to set their watches by its famous bongs.

Live chimes of Britain's most iconic clock to play on BBC Radio 4 again - after five years of recorded clanging From Monday the live chimes will be broadcast just before 6pm news bulletin ...