FURRY friends in Salisbury can receive a very special blessing later this year.

Salisbury Cathedral’s beloved and popular pet blessing service is returning to the west end of the cathedral on Saturday, September 13 at 2pm.

‘All Creatures Great and Small: A Service of Blessing for our Pets’ provides an informal afternoon service that will bless and give thanks for all God’s creatures – no matter how great or small.

The service is designed to give thanks for the love and companionship the pets bring to our lives.

Last year’s service saw the cathedral fill with the sounds of music and barking as more than 200 people attended the service, bringing with them dogs, cats, tortoises and even a stick insect or two.

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The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: “We love our pets – as faithful companions and as so much more.

“They offer invaluable support to the visually impaired. They contribute to the resilience of the vulnerable.

Cathedral choristers and the junior choir will provide a musical backdrop for the service Picture: Finnbarr Webster

“And they play a vital role in our agriculture. Our hope is that this service will be uplifting and enjoyable for everyone, allowing us to give thanks to God for the integral part that our pets have in our lives.”

Aimed at children and families, everyone is welcome to come along with their pets or a photograph of their favourite animal.

Visitors are welcome to join the service inside the cathedral or gather with their animals outside.

The homily will be given by the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, with the Revd Sophie Ferguson, the new assistant curate, leading the service.

The service will include readings, hymns and music sung by the cathedral choristers and the cathedral’s junior choir.

There will be hymns by John Rutter and Andrew Carter, as well as music from the pop cantata Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo.

More information can be found at www.salisburycathedral.org.uk