And lo, the animals of the earth arrived one at a time for Minster Abbey’s first pets’ service on Sunday.

The Rev Cindy Kent, who came up with the idea, said: “About 40 people came along with their pets.

"I thought it went very well for our first one. I am hoping it will attract even more people with animals next year.”

Among the pets taking part on the glebe behind the Abbey were Puddle the duck owned by Nicola Prior, Caitlin Underwood’s hamster Alice, a three-legged cat, a rabbit and a number of dogs including a terrier owned by Chris McLaren which took an interest in Miss Kent’s own pet, a stuffed pink hippopotamus called Henrietta.

Miss Kent, who had hits in the 60s with her folk band The Settlers, performed the service with Henrietta tucked underneath her arm.

She said: “We invited the public to bring any animals, real or cuddly.”

Associate priest the Rev Paul Rush added musical accompaniment on guitar.

Curate the Rev Paul Kite from Queenborough and Sheerness town centre chaplain the Rev Jeanette McLaren also took part.

The service included the sermon of St Francis of Assissi, the patron saint of animals, and the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful.