All creatures great and small are being welcomed to a special church service this weekend.

St Helen’s Church in Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton, is hosting its first pet blessing service on Sunday, July 10 at 2pm.

Inspired by the animal service in the much-loved TV series the Vicar of Dibley, churches around the country have been welcoming pets and their owners to services and now St Helen’s Church will be hosting its own. Members of the public are invited to bring their pets along to church, where Reverend Jenni Lane will be leading the service.

St Helen’s Church at Ainderby Steeple will hold a Pet Blessing Service this Sunday, July 10

Diane Jennings, a member of the congregation and volunteer helping to arrange the event, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming families and their pets to the service. People are welcome to bring their dogs or cats in real life, or just a photo or even a cuddly toy if they’d prefer.

"During the service we will give thanks for our pets and the joy they bring. Pets hold a very special place in many families, providing love and company to their owners. We hope that this event will attract people to the church for the first time.

Volunteer at St Helen’s, Diane Jennings with her beloved pet cat Poppy

"At St Helen’s we do more than just Sunday services. We hold youth groups during the week, as well as activities for adults throughout the year, including pudding nights and music gigs/concerts. The church is an important part of the community and we’d be thrilled to welcome some new faces this Sunday.”

Churches in the Benefice of the Lower Swale, of which St Helen’s is one, have a mission statement that includes “making our church buildings more amenable to our local communities for a variety of activities and events”. There are seven Church of England churches in the group, including one in the Thankful Village of Scruton. A thankful village is a community from which all the men who served in the First World War returned, none dying in battle. Records show there are just 41 parishes throughout England and Wales where all soldiers returned home from the front.

Anyone wishing to come to the pet blessing service on Sunday is welcome to bring a pet with them. Dogs must be on leads and smaller animals should be transported in suitable cages. Dress for the weather as the service is expected to take place outdoors, and bring a blanket or folding chair.

For more information visit lowerswalechurches.org.uk or call 01609 770795.

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