ANIMALS trotted, slithered, crawled and hopped to church yesterday to celebrate St Francis's Day.

The fourth annual animal blessing ceremony was held at St Hilda's Church in Redcar, east Cleveland.

St Francis, patron saint of animals was remembered as nearly 70 creatures were blessed.

This year there was a parakeet and a gecko lizard among the dogs, hamsters and rabbits at the service.

"It just grows every year," said the Reverend Chris Greenwell. "The first year there were just six pets, next time there were 20-odd, and last year nearly 60. This time it was mainly dogs and it wasn't quite as exotic as last time when there was a python and a stick insect, but it was a really lovely service."

Ann Prosser, animal lover and active member of the Saltburn Animal Rescue Association (Sara), said: "The church was full, fuller than last year, and the atmosphere was lovely."

A total of £27.73 was raised for Sara as well as a large amount of pet food collected. A similar service was held at Stockton Parish Church on Saturday when two miniature horses attended. It was the tenth animal blessing at the Stockton church.