Dozens of Anglican churches across Cumbria will take part in a national toll of bells tonight as a mark of solidarity following the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral.

The initiative was originally suggested by the British Ambassador to France Edward Llewellyn and has won the backing of both the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

A single bell will be tolled in churches for seven minutes from 7pm.

Those taking part across the Diocese of Carlisle – the Church of England in Cumbria - include:

· Carlisle Cathedral

· Wetheral

· St Paul’s Seaton

· Four churches in the Beacon Team, including Burneside, Grayrigg, Kendal St George

· Cockermouth

· Bridekirk

· St Paul’s Irton

· Barbon

· Kirkby Lonsdale

· Dalston

· St Giles, Great Orton

· St Mary’s Walney

· St Michaels, Burgh by Sands

· Sedbergh

· Holy Trinity, Brathay

· St Mary’s, Thorthwaite

· St Michael’s Workington

· Ulverston Parish Church

· St Mary's Ambleside

· Holy Trinity Langdale

· St Martin’s Windermere

Meanwhile, in a special Thought for the Week to be broadcast on BBC Radio Cumbria on Good Friday, the Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson, also makes mention of the fire, which caused extensive damage to the 850-year-old Cathedral.

She will tell listeners: “I was so shocked this week to see news of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, engulfed by flames.

“My husband and I last year celebrated our silver wedding anniversary last year with a romantic weekend in Paris, and a visit to Notre Dame was one of the highlights.

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“The art and architecture were stunning, of course, but we were also there during a communion service, and were struck by the vibrancy of the living, worshipping community. An abiding image from the news footage was of Parisians standing on the street outside, defiantly singing hymns.”

Richard Corrie presents BBC Radio Cumbria’s Breakfast Show on Good Friday. Bishop Emma’s Thought for the Week will be broadcast at 6.45am and repeated at 8.40am.