FOR the first time in eight years Tilly the donkey has been banned from attending church tomorrow.

Because of the foot and mouth crisis the Rev John Cree, of Feniscowles Parish Church (Immanuel), has had to ban Tilly from making his annual visit to the Pleasington Lane church for its Palm Sunday service.

For the past seven years Tilly has been the "special guest" at the Palm Sunday Service where he helps recreate the journey Jesus made into Jerusalem.

But because of fears of spreading the disease Tilly, who lives on a nearby farm with a menagerie of animals including two cows, has been banned. There are no cases of the disease in the parish but everybody is being vigilant and taking precautions.

Mr Cree said: "It's a shame because the children love Tilly but we need to show solidarity to the farmers in the parish. Foot and mouth is a great tragedy and we have to support farmers with our prayers and our thoughts. I'm sure the whole parish will be disappointed but it was an inevitable decision to make."

Tilly is owned by 10-year-old Lauren Prochyra, of East Street, Feniscowles. Her mum Janet said: "The children from St Paul's usually come and see all the animals around this time but we have had to stop them. It's a great shame, everybody loves seeing Tilly at the church."

As well as banning Tilly, Mr Cree has had to make alternative plans for the Rogation Service in May.

He said: "Usually we go to one of a farm in the parish and bless the animals, the crops and the farm and it represents every farm in the parish.

"Around 40 people join in but this year we have to hold the service in the church and the farming community will be invited."