PETS came in their dozens for the annual animal blessing service at Royston Parish Church on Sunday. And Royston s vicar, the Rev Leslie Harman, assured them that pets did have a place in heaven. He said in his address during the service that the animal k

PETS came in their dozens for the annual animal blessing service at Royston Parish Church on Sunday.

And Royston's vicar, the Rev Leslie Harman, assured them that pets did have a place in heaven.

He said in his address during the service that the animal kingdom was part of the creation.

The service is held to the nearest Sunday to St Francis Day, who was the patron saint of animals.

The Rev Harman said the ­services showed that pet owners recognised the value of their animals.

A collection during the service was donated to the Herts and Essex branch of the Homeless, Unwanted and Lost Animals (Hula) group and the Feral Cat Plan.

The Rev Harman was helped during the service by new curate, the Rev Barbara Johnson and Tony Mills.