Cycling Bishop Edward Condry has swapped four wheels for two again this Lent in a bid to raise awareness of climate change.

The 61-year-old Bishop of Ramsbury will continue to work full-time, travelling to churches in rural parts of Wiltshire.

This is the second time Rt Rev Condry, who lives in Warminster, has given up his car for Lent, saving more than 2,000 miles of driving last year by cycling and using public transport.

He said:”I was surprised how much of a spiritual experience it was to give up the car, in a way that struggling to give up chocolate had never achieved, for me.

“I can’t quite put my finger on why, but maybe it is as simple as having to change my life pattern and make an extra effort.

“Christians are called to care for God’s creation. Each of us must take our personal contribution to CO2 emissions seriously.”

This year he is taking the challenge one step further by also only eating locally sourced food.

He said: “Lent should be a time when Christians make some real sacrifices, following the example of Jesus Christ, who fasted in the desert for forty days before starting his public ministry.

“It’s also right that I do things that lead me to question my 21st century lifestyle that comes at a huge cost to the planet.

“That’s why I decided to eat only locally sourced food for Lent as well as giving up the car.”

The Right Rev hung up his car keys yesterday and won’t be getting back into the driving seat until Easter Sunday.

He said: “With Lent starting quite early this year, there’s a possibility of some really cold weather at the start, and of course the days are still short.

“There will be moments when I’m cycling into a vicious wind on a busy A36 in the evening twilight that I’ll think I’m mad for doing this.

“On the other hand, you really appreciate the slow arrival of warmer weather and especially the lighter evenings once the clocks go forward.

“Another great positive of living without a car is the time it creates for really switching off.

“We live in a world where instant communication can leave us feeling permanently harassed and stressed. Cycling gives me space to think properly and to pray deeply.”