IT IS the season for animal blessing services, and the congregation of All Saints’ in the village of Hulcott, in Oxford diocese, held their first one on the village green.

  More than 100 people came — far too many to fit into the 13th-century church — bringing animals of all shapes and sizes, including an orphaned badger cub being cared for at St Tiggywinkles animal hospital in Haddenham. Also present was this ghost corn-snake (above, in photo, being handled confidently by the Bishop of Buckingham, Dr Alan Wilson, who preached at the service, but eyed rather more dubiously by the Team Vicar, the Revd Mark Ackford).

  Goslings and chickens added to the general cacophony, along with the more usual dogs and cats, as the congregation sang “All things bright and beautiful”. Less noise came from the hamsters, rabbits, and terrapins. Those with four legs, two legs, or no legs at all were blessed individually. The service was so successful, and brought so many more families than the 20-or-so who live in Hulcott, that it will become an annual event.