Popular tradition sees all creatures great and small congregate outdoors

A special outdoor service was held in Pakefield on Sunday as scores of animals were blessed on the field outside Pakefield Church Hall.

Curate Becki Bensusan addressing the congregation at the special outdoor Pets Service on Sunday. (Image: Mick Howes)

The pets enjoyed the attention as hymns were sung and themed prayers said before the Rev Sharon Lord and recently arrived curate Becki Bensusan toured the field to bless the pets and offer food treats to some.

Rev Sharon Lord meets a Madagascan Hissing Cockroach at the special outdoor Pets Service on Sunday. (Image: Mick Howes)

Mrs Lord said: “This is the second pet service that I have taken.

"I am carrying on a tradition set by my predecessor and today is actually the patronal festival for our church All Saints and St Margaret and she was an animal lover as well – so it is really appropriate.

Rev Sharon Lord, Sarah Pastre and curate Becki Bensusan with tortoise 'Alan' at the special outdoor Pets Service held on the field outside Pakefield Church Hall on Sunday. (Image: Mick Howes)

"We have had a brilliant response with guinea pigs, chickens, rabbits, a tortoise and even a Hissing Cockroach together with many dogs and two cats brought along by their owners.

Curate Becki Bensusan, Katie Mills and Rev Sharon Lord holding chickens as the special outdoor Pets Service was held on the field outside Pakefield Church Hall on Sunday. (Image: Mick Howes)

"It was also the first special service that our curate Becki has been involved in – so it was great that she joined me in blessing each animal here today.”

A scene from the special outdoor Pets Service that was held on the field outside Pakefield Church Hall on Sunday. (Image: Mick Howes)

Evelyn-Jo Mills with her rabbit 'Lickety' at the special outdoor Pets Service held on the field outside Pakefield Church Hall on Sunday. (Image: Mick Howes)

Sarah Pastre with her five-year-old tortoise 'Alan' as the special outdoor Pets Service was held on the field outside Pakefield Church Hall on Sunday. (Image: Mick Howes)