SIXTY-eight people came to St James' Church in Kilkhampton on Sunday afternoon for its first Blessing of the Animals service.

They gathered outside before the crucifer led the choir and the owners in procession into the church.

There were lots of dogs, young, old, quiet, noisy, timid, friendly and even manicured. There was also a hamster, a lop-eared rabbit, a tortoise, a goat, a white pony, a very large African snail and a Rhode Island Red hen who sat placidly on her owners' lap.

The Rev Richard Ward-Smith took the service which was especially written to remind everyone that God loved and was concerned with the whole of his creation. Some new verses had been written for the hymn. 'All things bright and beautiful' and the pets seemed particularly to enjoy the jaunty, 'Who put the colours in the rainbow?'

Malcolm Topham played the organ and Ann Stone and Gloria Street read the lessons.

The service ended with owners bringing their pets to the front where they were individually blessed. Gathering for tea and coffee after the service, everyone agreed that it had been a great success and should definitely be repeated next year.