All creatures great and small - and cuddly (From Gazette Series)

All creatures great and small - and cuddly

A PETS service will be taking place for the third time on the vicarage lawn at St Mary's Church, Wotton-under-Edge, on Sunday (10.15am).

Sue Plant, who organised the first service with former curate the Rev David Gent, said: "We encourage families to bring their pets, and children who don't have pets often bring their favourite teddies - all of them are blessed anyway."

In previous years stick insects have featured, along with many rabbits, cats and dogs.

This year it is hoped a donkey will make an appearance from Bournstream Farm.

Mrs Plant said: "All the pets have been well-behaved so far. We do ask frisky dogs to be kept on leads."

The service will also include a dramatised version of the Creation in Genesis, part of a project by Wotton's Churches Together to familiarise children with Bible stories throughout the school year.

Music will be provided by a group led by Katherine Plant - a variety ranging from a traditional hymn to a new version of The Lord's my Shepherd.

Prayers will be said by a family and the service will be led by the curate, the Rev Andrew Markey.