A COW was at the centre of a special service to celebrate the hard work and fund-raising enterprises of young and old from Malvern Baptist Church.

The replica of a dairy cow was paraded down the aisle of the church in Abbey Road at Sunday’s all-age service to represent the animal that a family in Africa will receive as a result of the profits from car-boot and cake sales.

During the service, a cheque for £1,000 was handed over to the charity Send a Cow which helps people living in poverty by giving them the tools, livestock and skills to support themselves.

“We’re really pleased to have reached our target yet again to send a cow to a family in Africa. Thank-you to everyone who has supported us at Monksfield Car Boot sale by buying or donating on our stand,” said Jean Macdonald of the church.

Minister Rev Dave Clarke said: "It has been very moving to hear how the work of Send a Cow has touched the hearts of this congregation.”