THE Bishop of Liverpool has called on people across Merseyside to cut down on their carbon usage for Lent.

The Rt Rev James Jones launched the “fast” from carbon with students at the eco-friendly St Francis of Assisi Academy in Kensington yesterday.

They posed with a 20-foot high, six-foot wide giant inflatable model of a low-energy light bulb.

The Bishop said: “Putting in a sustainable light bulb reduces the amount of carbon going into the atmosphere.

“That helps the poor in the world who are already being badly affected by climate change.”

Representatives from the charity Tearfund, who run the Carbon Fast, gave an assurance that pumping air into the giant inflatable was not wasteful, as it used less energy than having a light bulb on for an evening.

The campaign encourages people who might normally give up chocolate or alcohol for Lent to instead consider restraint in their energy usage.

They point out Carbon Fasting can help save money on energy bills, as well as helping the environment.

The Bishop said: “There are simple steps you can take each day to reduce your carbon footprint.

“Just by wearing a jumper, like I am today, and turning down the radiators by one degree, you can reduce the amount of carbon.

“When you fill up the electric kettle, just put water in for the number of cups you’re going to use. When you go to bed at night, make sure you switch off the television.