A small but select congregation met in friendship and a celebration of our furry friends, which included a snail that begged a ride.

All the animals were admired but the star of the show was Wilbur, a Gloucester Old Spot piglet, closely followed by two rabbits Bigwig and Fiver and a very pretty lurcher called Honey, said a spokeswoman.

She added that inevitably one creature "goofed".

"Sadie, the Labrador, woofed through the blessing when she realised the biscuit bribes had run out! But nobody minded," she said.

After the service, which the minister, Beryl Allerton, and the committee hope will become an annual event, both creatures and humans had a chance to socialise and enjoy the refreshments, including the "best egg sandwiches ever" supplied by Sally Jones from Stamps Lea Farm.

The next event will be the First Flush Party on Saturday (Sept 6) to celebrate the installation of the new toilets and kitchen facilities in the church and will feature Todmorden Choral Society and Todmorden Orchestra from 3pm onwards. All are welcome.

On Thursday, September 25, the monthly open worship evening will take place from 7.30pm to 8pm. Again, all are welcome.