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Speaking a week after the flood crisis began, the Right Rev Michael Perham said the flooding and its aftermath had highlighted Gloucestershire's community spirit and resilience.

It had also heightened public awareness of the value of water, how much we use in normal times, and the plight of those in other parts of the world who do not have clean water and sanitation.

"In a strange way there have been some really good things this week" he said.

Gloucester was badly hit by the floods

"There is resilience - and there is also a sense of humility when you sense how small you are compared with the powers of nature.

"There is huge sadness for those who have been flooded and the elderly who have been frightened by the situation but for most people there has been a great community spirit of which the churches have been an important part.

"My great concern is when the immediate buzz if over and we're left with thousands of people still without water and getting fed up about it. It's holding the community spirit that's important and the churches have a role there."

'We take water for granted'

Being unable to have a bath, wash our clothes, or even have water for drinking and cooking without a journey to collect it first has been a stark reminder for thousands of people in Gloucestershire how life is every day for millions of people in less developed parts of the world.

'It's really made me think'

"We mustn't overstate our suffering, but lessons have been and are being learned."

After a spokesman from WaterAid spoke on 大象传媒 Radio Gloucestershire's about the charity's work in Africa and Asia to provide safe domestic water and sanitation, listener听 Jackie from Cheltenham said: "In this country we should count ourselves very lucky.

"We'll be back with water in a few days.and it's really made me think about not wasting water and doing something to help people without water around the world."

Bishop Michael has composed the following prayer in the wake of the floods:

'Creator God, hear our prayer.
As we look with dismay on the floods across our country,
we ask you to look with compassion on all who are suffering,
on those whose homes are spoilt,
those whose livelihood is threatened.
We thank you for acts of courage and of kindness
and pray a blessing on all who rescue and relieve.~
And, when the floods have gone, guide us to learn lessons
Help us to live in harmony and with the laws of nature
and in reverence for a creation
you have made to be very good.
Creator God, hear our prayer.'