PETS were thanked for their companionship and help during a service of blessing.

The congregation of Stockton Heath Methodist Church enjoyed talks from an RSPCA dogs' home staff and an informative presentation from minister Mark Coles. The minister's powerpoint presentation was accompanied by music, which included the Baha Men's song, Who let the dogs out?.

The service, which was held in the church hall on Walton Road, on February 3, for the second time in two years, was attended by dogs, cats and rabbits.

The animals, who were on their best behaviour, were each individually blessed and were given treats after the service. A blessing was also made on behalf of the animals that were unable to attend and for pets that had died.

Children who did not have any pets took along their favourite soft toys to the service.

Appropriate hymns were sung, such as All Things Bright and Beautiful.

The congregation composed its own verse, which asked how they could look after their animals better.