SOME 20 dogs and a cockatiel were blessed in a religious ceremony dedicated to celebrating animals.

The animal blessing event began with singing religious hymns before being educated on the importance of St Francis, the patron saint of animals.

A majority of the blessed animals were dogs that came from Caring Canines, a local non-profit making voluntary group working in the community that helps people of all ages and abilities to understand dogs and be confident in their company.

A cockatiel also decided to join the festivities.

All animals were blessed by Reverend Janice Seare and treated to a cube of cheese and a piece of sausage as a special treat.

The service attracts any type of animal from tarantulas to fully grown horses, Caring Canines founder, Sue Dennett said: “Somebody once bought a chicken, and all the gun dogs were thinking oh, lunch.

“It was an absolute nightmare.

“We've had a tortoise who didn't really want to wake up and a couple of noisy Siamese cats who just yelled the whole of the way through the service last year.

“I just wish more people would come and enjoy and celebrate animals.”

The annual animal blessing was held on October 6 at St Johns Church in Holdenhurst Village.