ALL creatures great and small were invited to All Saints’ Parish Church as parishioners celebrated St Francis’ Day with a pet service.

A full church housed animals of all kinds, including dogs, cats, chickens, a tortoise and even some pygmy goats.

Philip Davies, from Okeford Veterinary Practice, read the Bible story of the creating and naming of the animals and another vet, Alex Just, introduced a very unusual dog who had recently had a pacemaker fitted.

Vicar of Okehampton the Rev Stephen Cook said: ‘This is the first pet service we have held for a number of years, but there have been lots of requests. Animals mean a huge amount to very many people and to have the opportunity to include them and thank God for them is special.

‘Dogs are by far the most religious animals. We find we always get a lot more dogs than any other creature. In fact if everyone was as keen to come to church as my dog is we would never fit them all in!’ 

After the service, alongside the usual plates of biscuits there was a plate full of dog biscuits for the furrier worshippers.