A CHURCH in Swindon invited creatures big and small this week at a special service for pets.

St Augustines Church welcomed pet hamsters, dogs, and cuddly toys in for a special service at the request of the 10th Swindon Brownies.

Minister of the church Neil Fisher said: “We want to prove that the church is open to new things. While celebrating the creation of the beautiful world we live in. It is an opportunity to say thank you for both the pets and where we live. Anybody can come, and everyone is welcome. We are fortunate to have a big space that can hold many people.”

This is second service where all of gods creatures were welcomed through the doors. “At the first Pet Service we had both snakes and hamsters,” said Neil. “They had to be kept at opposite ends of the church.”

Elizabeth Brakspear Jones, 10th Swindon Brownie leader, said, “There was around 25 in attendance. Although there were no new members, parents who ordinarily would have left stayed for the service.”

The service ran alongside one of many initiatives to encourage people to visit the church. A Messy Church session is planned for this Saturday 21st July, at 11 am where children are encouraged to get creative at a craft workshop.