A FORDINGBRIDGE animal charity welcomed its congregation to a special church service at St John the Evangelist Church at Hinton Martell to celebrate the 60 years since the first animal blessing took place.

Reverend William French conducted the service and blessed dogs, a rabbit, a sheep plus a horse and hedgehog at the church.

The Animals’ Voice Educational and Wildlife Rescue organisation also invited Chris Payne, a representative of the Worldwide Veterinary Services to talk about the vaccination and neutering programmes they run overseas.

Shirley Hacker of Whitsbury made a special cake which was served in the village hall after the blessing.