PEMBROKE Dock’s St John's Church held a special ceremony earlier this Saturday, offering blessings to beloved family pets.

The service at the Bush Street church was led by The Reverend Nicky Skipworth of the United Parish of Pembroke Dock, and saw a merry pack of dogs and one rabbit, plus their humans, worship their Creator and celebrate St Francis.

Revd Nicky Skipworth was happily overwhelmed by the affection of one particular little rescue dog named Brennan, Gaelic for 'king'.

Nicky said: "Brennan was so sweet! Yes, we were small in number but great in heart for these beautiful animals and their cherished humans, so we will carry on offering this act of worship at this time of year. I am often told that, surely, animals cannot come in to church and this makes me sad. So I'm saying, as Vicar for the town, that this is not the case. Young and older, well and suffering, happy and sad, native and newcomer; bristly, furry and fluffy...all are welcome in Jesus' name."