Animal-loving vicar the Rev Duncan Clarke, of St Ambrose CE Church, has pets himself and is practicing ahead of the big day by blessing his 12-year-old sheepdog Trixie and Yorkie Millie.

He said of the service: "It's about thanksgiving for the animal kingdom and the blessing of pets. There are a lot of animals in danger and threatened with extinction.

"We just want to give people the chance to come to church and give their pets a little blessing. They will receive a little certificate.

"The Vicar of Dibley did quite a good one on the television. I just hope it does not create that much chaos.

"We will have the service and there will be hymns about animals. I will pray over them and sprinkle them with Holy Water."

The Vicar of Dibley episode features Rev Geraldine Granger, played by comic Dawn French, blessing a chaotic church full of animals including a goat, pig, owl and sheep.

The service featured the congregation singing hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful and the choir covering Puppy Love by Donny Osmond.

Mr Clarke had concerns about upsetting more traditional parishioners so he has created a separate ceremony in the afternoon for the pets.

Church-goer Alison King hopes to have her six-year-old pet cat, Rosie, blessed during the service.

She said: "My cat has not been blessed before so it's quite an opportunity for her. I'm going to have to take her in the cat basket otherwise we could have a lot of animals running around."

If you are interested in having your pet blessed, go along to the service at the church in Moss Lane at 3pm on Sunday November 15.