A BISHOP called for special prayers for Fenland farmers affected by the drought- and especially those without irrigation systems.

The Bishop of Ely, the Rt Rev Stephen Conway, said: “Farmers who have irrigation technology are not affected at the moment; but farmers who do not are in a bad way and need our particular prayers and concern.

“Donations to farmers’ charities will help a lot in the coming months.”

Bishop Conway made his remarks during an address to his diocesan synod at Witchford Community near Ely on Saturday.

“The Fens are particularly affected, worse effected, indeed, than other parts of the region,” he said.

“We need to pray for and support our farmers through a situation which for some is likely to get worse before it gets better.”

The bishop also asked people in the region to be mindful of the shortage of water as they go about their daily business and to support the farming community in whatever ways they can.

It was important, he said, not to take the gift of water for granted.

“We generally take water for granted in our green and pleasant land,” he said. “Clean, fresh water is perhaps the most precious natural resource which is available to us. We must start regarding it as a gift from God and not as a commodity.”