The Bishops Lent Appeal 2007 has raised £10,560.91 for Challenging Poverty – a new initiative from the Church Urban Fund (CUF). The Bishop of Ely, Dr Anthony Russell, has handed over the sizeable gift to the CUF representative, Jonathan Cryer, at the B

The Bishops' Lent Appeal 2007 has raised £10,560.91 for Challenging Poverty - a new initiative from the Church Urban Fund (CUF).

The Bishop of Ely, Dr Anthony Russell, has handed over the sizeable gift to the CUF representative, Jonathan Cryer, at the Bishop's House in Ely.

The money was raised by parishes across the Diocese as part of its charitable giving during the Lent season - together with help from individuals and other organisations.

"This giving is a marvellous result," said Dr Russell.

"I am most grateful to all those who have supported this important appeal.As the title implies, its projects have been mainly in urban areas. However, the work of the CUF also extends to rural areas where there is extensive and considerable need, as we know in this Diocese."

"It's cracking news," added Canon Alan Hargrave, chairman of the Diocesan Board for Church in Society.