‘Our furry friends joined us in church for our annual pet service’ - Uckfield's Holy Cross

He said: "Our furry friends joined us at church for our annual pet service. They all behaved impeccably well and it was a joy to celebrate our pets, both past and present. Thank you to all those who came along."

Well-behaved dogs made up the majority of four-legged parishioners and there were a few enthusiastic barks during the hymn singing. Cats were also consulted but few could fit the service into their busy schedules.

Pet services are now a regular feature in churches, and many hold ceremonies in October to mark the anniversary of St Francis of Assisi. St Francis, full name Giovanni di Pietro di Bernadone, is best known for his profound love for nature and animals. He is the patron saint of ecology and animals and is famously remembered for preaching to birds and taming a wild wolf. In 1209 he founded the Order of Friars Minor emphasising a lifestyle relying on simplicity and compassion.