THE Rector of Avebury, Warren Sellers, took on the role of Dr Dolittle for the morning when he led a pets' service in the grounds of St James Church, with his congregation ranging from hamsters to horses.

The last pets' service at St James Church was two years ago and Mr Sellers said he had no idea what the response would be.

However, he was delighted to have a congregation of about 60 people of all ages with about 25 pets of all sizes.

The rector said: "The weather was brilliant and there were lots of people and about 25 pets ranging from guinea pigs and goldfish, hamsters, ponies and horses."

There had been a contingency plan to hold the service inside St James if it had rained but Mr Sellers said: "It was a gloriously sunny Avebury day."