A number of animals, from terriers to tortoises, were special guests at St Giles’ Church in Sidbury on Sunday.

Sidmouth Herald: Five year old Grace Oxley with her tortoise Barney who is also five years old at the Sidbury Tingle service on Sunday. Ref shs 8721-42-14SH Picture: Simon HornFive year old Grace Oxley with her tortoise Barney who is also five years old at the Sidbury Tingle service on Sunday. Ref shs 8721-42-14SH Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Archant)

The church hosts a Tingle Service every month, for families to worship in an informal atmosphere and, once a year, people are invited to take their pets along to take part and be blessed as well.

Around 30 people attended the occasion this year, accompanied by a whole host of four-legged friends, including guinea pigs, dogs and even five-year-old Barney the tortoise, who was brought along by Grace Oxley, also five.

The Reverend Robin Laird led the service, which included readings and some up-lifting hymns, complete with actions, for the whole congregation to enjoy.

Penny Lamb, a service leader, said that although it was a bit noisy to start with, the animals were all very well behaved.

Sidmouth Herald: Penny Lamb is pictured with her Border terrier Rufus at the Sidbury Tingle Service. Ref shs 8706-42-14SH Picture: Simon HornPenny Lamb is pictured with her Border terrier Rufus at the Sidbury Tingle Service. Ref shs 8706-42-14SH Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Archant)

“My border terrier, Rufus, was very interested in the two guinea pigs and he was absolutely mesmerised by the tortoise,” she added.

Cakes and coffee were enjoyed by all after the service and one churchgoer, Maisy, even made a cake and spelt out the word ‘pets’ on it in honour of the occasion.