PEOPLE and pets of all shapes and sizes are welcome to the annual blessing of the animals at Bury Parish Church this weekend.

All creatures great and small will be blessed by curate Tony Roache in the hour-long service.

The annual ceremony is organised by the Bury branch of the RSPCA, and is held on the Sunday closest to the feast of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.

Branch committee member Mrs Laura Gillett said: "People can bring their dogs, cats, hamsters, mice or birds, in fact anything within reason.

"They can come without any pets if they want, just to enjoy the service."

The service, which begins at 3pm on Sunday (Oct 7), will be followed by tea and biscuits in the church hall.