VALE animal lovers and their pets are being invited to attend a special "Animal Service" at St Peter's Church, Hinton, this Sunday, April 26.

"The service is the first of its kind and has been planned for some time," said parochial church council vice chairman Nick Frost.

Mr Frost, who will be taking his two-year-old Irish Wolfhound, Angus, said he hoped lots of people would attend the relaxed and fun service which will raise money for Canine Partners which provides and trains assistance dogs for the disabled.

In addition to dozens of dogs, the church is also expecting rabbits, chickens, a lamb and, strangely, a bat, but they would be delighted to welcome more, and especially any different or more exotic species which anyone may care to take.

Mr Frost said several of the congregation are regulars at the Evesham and District Dog Training club which has recently adopted Canine Partners as its preferred charity and is aiming to raise enough cash to sponsor their own puppy.

"It costs £9,000 to provide, train and support just one assistance dog, but the independence a dog provides leads to a total life change for the human partner," he added saying the difference was that they stopped being just a 'disabled person in a wheelchair' to 'a person with a really cool dog'.

Refreshments will be served after the service with gravy bones for the canine attendees. All that is asked is that the pets are well behaved or suitably housed. The service begins at 11.15am.