All creatures great and small at St Giles Church, Bowes

DOGS barked, chickens clucked and alpacas hummed as hymns were sung during a unique dale church service to celebrate World Animal Day on Sunday.

The carpets at St Giles’ Church, in Bowes, had to be removed for the special animal welfare and blessing service that saw the congregation bring along their favourite pets, including cats, dogs, chickens and alpacas.

The group met at the village hall before parading up to the church for the service led by vicar Revd Jonathan Barker.

Mr Barker said the service also celebrated the feast of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

He added: “St Francis taught us that animals are equal to us.”

Inevitably the congregation sang All Things Bright and Beautiful.

The service ended with each of the animals receiving a blessing.