The congregation was a little bit more raucous than usual during a special church service.

Pampered pets, including Merlin the parrot and Spongebob the snail, were the guests of honour at St Luke’s Church, Sidney Road, Gillingham for a service of thanksgiving for animals.

The service was held to celebrate the life of St Francis of Assisi.

Churchgoers brought along their pets for prayers, hymns and a blessing from the Rev David Preston.