ST Sidwell and St Gulval Church at Laneast played host to a veritable menagerie of pets on Sunday, April 24, when they held a Pet Blessing Service.

A Shetland pony, a horse, lambs, a chicken, a hamster, a tortoise, at least one cat and many dogs all brought their owners along to a special pet blessing service.

The Rev Deryn Roberts led the service and the singing — with the swell of sound being helped along by the accompaniment of several dogs, who joined in rather tunefully.

There were mops and shovels kept at the ready in case of any ‘little accidents’, but luckily the beautifully decorated church survived just fine.

It was said to be a delightful sight to see the church so alive with so many people and their animal friends.

After the service there were treats for the animals, supplied by Pets at Home, and a wonderful spread of teatime goodies for their human companions.

The weather blessed the assembled pet owners too as the sun shone, allowing everyone to sit outside in the warm to enjoy their cream teas and cakes.

A huge thank you was extended to those who helped to make the service possible, to those who decorated the church and made and served the teas and to everyone who attended and made it such a wonderful, laugh filled afternoon.