COMMEMORATING the arrival of Jesus on a donkey in Jerusalem, a parade of choir, clergy and people will walk with Cody the donkey through Bedford Square before entering Tavistock Parish Church for the Palm Sunday service this weekend.

The church's children's group will be adding to the occasion, performing a special play during the service.

Dr Sean Sweeney, churchwarden and choirmaster, said, 'Palm Sunday is a great event and the outdoor procession is a marvellous public spectacle — the challenges of managing a donkey while singing on the move provide much enjoyment for all.

'We have been lucky with the weather in recent years and we hope for some sun again this year, because damp music might dampen our melodious spirit! '

Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter Day and marks the beginning of Holy Week. Quiet reflective services will be held in the parish church each day on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the week — 10.30 am communion and 8 pm night prayer — with addresses by a naval chaplain, the Rev Matt Godfrey.

Details of all the services for Holy Week and Easter at the parish church are on cards freely available at the back of the church for anyone to pick up and take away.

The services are also listed in this week's Times and on the parish church website http://www.tavistockparishchurch.org.uk">www.tavistockparishchurch.org.uk

Everyone is warmly welcome at all the services in St Eustachius' Church.

If you would like to meet Cody this Sunday, come to the parish centre shortly before 9.45 am.

The service will be followed by refreshments.