Church minister Libby Turner blessed a variety of pets from Mavis the hen to Izzy the Harris hawk when she ran a pets service at Rushall on Sunday.

A rabbit and cat were also among the animals present although most pets were, predictably, dogs.

Izzy the Harris hawk came along with owner Martin Dale who lives in the village.

Mrs Turner, a licensed lay minister, conducted the service at St Matthew’s Church which was primarily held for children from the village school.

It was advertised as being for all sorts of animals from hamsters to horses and there were no restrictions on any sorts of pet being taken along – including creepy crawlies.

All of the animals were well behaved.

Mrs Turner said: “All the pets were fantastic and none of them were any trouble at all.”

She added that holding a pets service was a very good way of bringing the families and wider community together.

The minister said: “I had rather hoped that somebody might bring a snake along.”

It was the second year the service had been held at St Matthew’s Church.

Pupils from the primary school gave the readings and also helped headteacher Marian Harvey who led prayers.