Animal magic at church (From Gazette & Herald)

Animal magic at church

AN APPEAL for pets and farm animals to attend a special church service has been made by a North Yorkshire church.

A rogation service will be held tomorrow at St Mary's Priory, Old Malton, by the Rev John Manchester to bless crops, farm stock and all types of pets.

The service will start at 3.30pm and then will move into the churchyard, where there will be tractors and a performance by Swinton Band.

A cream tea will be served in the Rev Manchester's garden, accompanied by more music.

He said: "We really want as many animals as possible at the service, be it cats dogs, ponies or mice.

"It is a real country day and part of three services throughout the year; the new seed in January and the harvest festival later on.

"This service is about saying thank you for what is happening now. We are just hoping for good weather."

Updated: 09:43 Saturday, May 15, 2004