THE Bishop of Blackburn has today spoken out in support of farmers and urged people to help the countryside crisis.

In 'The See of Blackburn,' a monthly newsletter from the Blackburn Diocese, The Rt Rev Alan Chesters spoke about the strain which farmers and agricultural industries are under.

He said: "Farming in this country faces its worst recession in living memory. Although the Government recently announced a substantial aid package, the crisis continues and affects almost every type of farming, but especially the small hill farms, and our pig and dairy farmers.

"There are no simple answers to what is certainly a European and probably a global problem. To many it seems scandalous that millions starve when our farmers are being told to cut back on food production because the market will not pay for the cost of that production." The Church's General Synod recently held a passionate debate in support of farmers and Bishop Chesters urged people to help the issue through prayer on Rogation Sunday -- May 28.

He said: "In a diocese which brings rural, urban and suburban people together, we can increase awareness. We need to get those who live in towns to understand that we all rely on farmers, both for food production and to care for our fine English landscape."

He also urged people to offer a listening ear and pastoral care to those who are suffering most and do not know which way to turn, and added that he was pleased that 'Farming in Crisis' now had an ecumenical group working in Lancashire.

He encouraged people to help farmers adjust to the new situation where the care of the land and its availability for those who wish to enjoy the countryside was as important as food production.

He added: "The church, which proclaims new life, should be at the very heart of the effort to make that happen. Let us hope that its ministry offers real hope where there is so much anxiety."