SALSIBURY Cathedral is welcoming people and their pets to the cathedral for its first ever pet service next month.

The informal afternoon service, ‘All creatures great and small: A service of blessing for our pets’ will give thanks to the joy and companionship pets bring to our lives, with people asked to bring their furry friends along.

For those pets that are no longer with us, attendees are welcome to come along to the service with a photograph of their pet or favourite animal.

The service will take place at the west end of the cathedral, with the large doors opening onto the lawn on September 14 at 2pm.

Canon Precentor Anna Macham said: “Pets can be very important to our lives, offering comfort and companionship.

“We hope this service will be an uplifting and enjoyable afternoon, celebrating the bond many of us have with our animals.”

Visitors are welcome to join the service inside the cathedral or gather with their animals outside. Aimed at children and their families, 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