FURRY recruits such as dogs and rabbits added an extra dimension to a service at St James' Church in Trowbridge on Sunday.

Every Sunday, the church hosts its regular family TeaTime service, which ends in everyone enjoying a natter and a cup of tea.

However this time round, curate Jane Palmer put forward the idea of having the first ever pet service at the church, where locals were invited to bring their animal friends, and at 4.30pm, that is exactly what happened.

"It was a great addition to what we normally do. The afternoon service is aimed especially at families and Jane thought this would be a nice thing to add and it certainly was," said Reverend Rob Thomas.

"There was a great mix of ages, with women in their 70's bringing their pet dogs and toddlers doing the same thing. I was particularly happy to see someone had brought a little tortoise along.

"A few people brought their dogs who were very well trained and did agility tests, such as jumping over hurdles and going in and out of things which was very impressive.

"I think we will look to do this again next year. It is a novel idea and we do not want it to become a bit stale by doing it too often but it was a lovely thing to do."