WORCESTER Cathedral's Lady Chapel will be open for prayer from 9am until 5.15pm every Wednesday during the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The Holy Communion service held in the Cathedral, at 1.05pm each Wednesday, will also be dedicated to the agricultural community.

"A particular invitation is being given to all the people of the city to come in and pray, as the farming communities are unable do so," said John Willis, agricultural chaplain for Worcester diocese.

The Cathedral also tolls its bell each day at noon for five minutes.

The chaplain has asked that, if people hear the bell, they should say a prayer.

"The industry's gratitude to those supporting the community is heartfelt, and I hope that we can continue to rely on this level of support," said Richard Jordan, Worcestershire NFU chairman.