YORK Minster is to host a service dedicated to the welfare of animals.

The Service for Animal Welfare has been jointly organised by the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals (ASWA) and Catholic Concern for Animals.

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend James Jones, a patron of ASWA, will be speaking at the service and a donkey from the Elizabeth Svendsen Trust will take part in the opening procession to represent the plight of millions of working animals.

All are welcome to attend the service, on Saturday, at 2pm, but organisers ask that it is noted this is not an animal blessing service.