PEOPLE living in the country are being asked to show greater racial tolerance by the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds.

The Right Reverend John Packer will make his call at a service for racial justice on Sunday in Ripon Cathedral.

Bishop Packer, whose diocese stretches from inner-city Leeds to rural North Yorkshire, says there is as much need for understanding about racial issues in the countryside as cities.

"It is important that those of us who live in rural areas should be aware that racism is not a matter simply for inner cities and that our attitudes and our thinking contribute to the whole culture of where we live.

"Those who live in rural areas need to think through their attitudes to those of other cultures and I am pleased the cathedral, in a mainly rural area, is holding this special service," said the bishop. who spent his his early years as a clergyman in inner-city Sheffield.

During the service the Bishop, who earlier this year raised the issue of rural racism with Conservative leader and Richmond MP William Hague, is expected to challenge attitudes outside and inside the church.

"There are often more people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds in rural areas than we realise. Some are seeking asylum and are looking for welcome and encouragement from people in rural areas - it is important that we are aware of their needs and offer that welcome," said the bishop.

He will speak on Rural Racism at the Ripon Cathedral service at 5.30pm on Sunday. A Racial Justice Sunday service will also be held that day at All Soul's Church, Leeds.