<b>By Suffolk Gazette Staff
A bell-ringer was sensationally sacked after ringing out the Star Wars theme on his village church bells before a wedding.</b>

Steven Jacobs, 27, took a pal along to play the Imperial March from St Steven's Church in Bildeston - but locals failed to see the funny side when the tune rang across the village from 12.30pm last Saturday, and complained to the vicar.

The Rev Evan Elpuss, although a Star Wars fan himself, was furious because wedding guests were due to arrive at any moment, expecting the bridal march, not the Imperial one.

Mr Jacobs, who has seen the latest Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, an incredible 13 times already, said: "I was ringing to the Imperial March tune before our usual Sunday service. I'd asked a friend to come along and give me a hand and it sounded awesome - but the next thing I know I've been sacked."

The unrepentant carpenter, who works in nearby Hitcham, continued: "The church and parish council people have gone completely over the top and have had a sense of humour by-pass.

"The people who heard it at the nearby Crown pub congratulated me on my performance'
The Imperial March, composed by John Williams, is more associated with the first Star Wars trilogy and is the theme used to accompany Darth Vader and his evil dark side associates.
Mr Jacobs' former campanologist colleagues were not available for comment.
But a source close to the church, who did not wish to be named, accused Mr Jacobs' of having a “deliberately distorted recollection of events”.
'We appreciate that Steven is a bit of a joker but there comes a point when you have to draw a line' said the source. 
'The Darth Vader's imperial march is not an appropriate rallying call for a funeral, and Steven knows it. He might think the family didn't notice but believe me they did - we all did.'
While it might be unlucky 13 viewings for Mr Jacobs', he has no plans to shelve his love of everything Star Wars: 'I'm off to the cinema again tomorrow. And then watching all the originals at home on DVD'
When asked whether he would try and get back in the bell ringing fold Mr Jacobs replied:  'Do or do not do. There is no try!'



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