The Rev Michael Cavanagh said some had already contacted him to express their fears for the future.

"I have spoken to some who just want to talk," he said.

"We are all part of a small community, but we don't realise it until something like this happens. We have got to look out for one another."

At noon every Sunday the bells at Tabley Church will ring as a message to local farmers.

"We just want them to know we have not forgotten them because some have stayed away just to be on the safe side," he said. Special prayers are also being said at Mr Cavanagh's other church in High Legh.

To contact Mr Cavanagh, call 01925 753216.