THE town’s favourite felines and precious pooches were invited into church for a special service.

Radcliffe Parish Church of St Mary opened its doors to cater for all creeds and breeds as part of a fourth annual gathering on Saturday,

Man’s best four-legged friend accounted for all but one of the 13 visiting pets — Melvyn the guinea pig was the exception.

Rev Elizabeth Binns, who led the service, said: "A couple of dogs were very enthusiastic hymn singers. The animals were surprisingly relaxed. A cavalier called Sacha definitely got the prize for best behaviour.

"In past centuries it was not unusual for animals to come into church because it was the centre of just about every aspect of life.

"Pet services are a good way to help people see that churches are friendly places and have more to offer than people think. It is also about reminding people that we have a duty to care for all creatures and the world that we have been given."

For the past three years, the event has taken place at St Thomas and St John with St Philip's Church but organisers have decided to relocate in the hope of attracting dog walkers and visitors from nearby Close Park to the gathering.

Rev Binns said: "It was really nice that dogs came into church for an official visit because we quite often get canine callers during services — making a little detour whilst out on a walk."

A total of 25 adults, 10 children, 12 dogs and one guinea pig were welcomed into the sanctuary. Colin the Jack Russell looked at home in the pews.

Rev Binns delivered an address, based on her three dogs, Harvey, Patrick and Douglas, all of whom are rescues, and shared three doggy psalms on the themes of trust, protection and hope.

The service helped to raise £50 for the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals.