Weather experts across the world say we have just experienced the hottest month in the history of man - but that is cold comfort for Don and Vera Chambers.

The Buttershaw pensioners use a solar powered heating system and their environmentally-friendly efforts have been put in the shade by the lack of sunshine in Bradford.

While the planet's average temperature reached a record 16.5C (61.7F) degrees during July sunlight hours for the Bradford district were almost 25 per cent below average.

Mr Chambers said: "The solar powered heating system usually gets enough sunlight to provide us with hot water for baths and washing up, but this has been the worst summer we can remember."

The couple - who recycle most of their household waste, travel by bicycle and use long-life light bulbs - decided to install three solar panels on the roof of their semi-detached home in Beacon Road back in 1980.

Mr Chambers said: "Solar power was still in its infancy, but we decided to take the plunge. It cost us £1,500 and it has been worth every penny. But it only works when the sun is out, the temperatures we've had to put up with this year have sent it haywire.

"We're all for helping the environment but have had to use the immersion heater instead."

Although the weather has hampered their hot water system the couple have been praised for their efforts by green campaigners.

A spokesman for Friends of the Earth said: "The only way we can tackle global warming is to avoid fossil fuels and switch to greener forms of energy.

"The lack of sunlight hasn't helped Don and Vera but they are showing the way forward and should be commended."

The pensioners are not the only ones to have been stumped by the bad weather. The summer rain and gusting winds has also effected farmers.

Deborah Cavanagh, regional spokeswoman for the National Farmers' Union, said: "This year's damp weather has had a devastating effect on cereal crops and fruit has been hit by fungicide." The Potato Council has also issued warnings that crops could be badly hit by potato blight.

Telegraph & Argus columnist Dr Tom Smith, added: "The lack of a summer has also affected people's moods. The psychological effects of not having anything to look forward to, other than another winter, can unusually high numbers of people with depression."

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