This Sunday (October 2) sees the Annual Blessing of Pets at St Michael’s Church in the historic village of Llanvihangel Crucorney.

All creatures, great, small and medium-sized are welcomed into the church for the short service, which has always been conducted by the Rev’d Derek Lee, who has been attached to the parish for eleven years.

The service on Sunday, however, will be his final service before retirement.

A spokesperson for the congregation said, “We’re very sad to hear that Rev’d Lee will be retiring due to ill health but are very touched that, as a great animal lover, he has chosen this very special pet service as his last before retirement.”

There will be refreshments for both two and four-legged visitors and everyone is welcome - naughty pets included!

The service starts at 11am and there is easy access to the church which is situated in the middle of the village off the A465 (Abergavenny/Hereford Road).

It is hoped that Sebastian the little ambassador for the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies will be able to attend the service and meet his regular fans…

For further information please call 01873 890532.