The Bishop of Sodor and Man has issued a special prayer for people on the island affected by the heaviest snowfall since 1963.

Thousands of cattle and sheep remain buried under snowdrifts. The BBC reported one farmer in Dalby, Walter Bridson, who has 180 sheep but has so far recovered only 30.

"It is very upsetting - it has been horrific ever since Friday - we have had 10ft snow drifts and the lanes are simply not passable, even with the farm vehicles," he said.

"I have heard of farmers that have lost about 90% of their sheep, that could add up to thousands."

St John's sheep farmer, John Kennaugh, said the loss for farmers on the island had been "catastrophic".

The Isle of Man's farming community has been struggling with bad weather for over a year and this latest episode would be felt for a "long time", he said.

In response to the situation, Bishop Robert Paterson has issued the following prayer:

Good Shepherd,
we thank you for all who are involved
in the farming communities of this Island,
and pray that you will bring hope
to those whose livelihoods
may be at risk as a result of the recent bad weather.
Help us all to appreciate the work they do
as stewards of your creation,
and enable us to find the means and the strength
to serve all who are in need.
For your glory
who laid down your life for us
and now live and reign
with the Father and the Spirit,
one God for ever. Amen.