SEVERAL pooches and one moggie answered the call to attend a pet blessing service yesterday.

Methodist Minister, the Reverend Heather Taylor held the service at Sherburn Village Methodist Church, near Durham City.

She chose yesterday because it was the first Sunday after St Francis' Day, the patron saint of animals.

She said: "It went very well. Some people who I never would have expected came. It was a good starting point for developing a sense of community. One woman brought two Yorkshire Terriers in a specially-made trolley, while there were five guide puppies in the congregation as well.

"A woman came all the way from Bishop Auckland to have the guide puppy she is giving away on Monday blessed.

"The one cat there was rather brave really."

Ms Taylor said she knew youngsters in the village who had pets, including ferrets, lizards and snakes, but perhaps it had been too early for them. She hopes to hold a similar event next year.