And now for a reading from Collie-inthians...

Photo: Tim Bradley

BORDER collie Nell joins the Rev Rhodes in a reading from the bible at a special service for pets.

A minister has been praised for staging a special service for animal lovers and their pets at Saddleworth’s smallest church.

The Rev Duncan Rhodes invited them to a 30-minute outdoor service at Kiln Green Mission Church in Diggle. Parishioners, including young children, turned up with dogs and a rabbit to share animal-related hymns and prayers.

In an address, the Rev Rhodes reminded the congregation of their obligation towards pets adding: “All they want is the simple act of love.”

And each pet was given a free examination and their owner presented with a certificate by Jill Atkin, a veterinary surgeon for 10 years with Ian McConnells Veterinary Practice in Uppermill.

She said: “The service is a great way to remember pets and our obligations to them.”