ANIMAL lovers in Worcester filled the city's cathedral for a special ceremony honouring their beloved pets.

The event, hosted jointly with Hall Green Greyhound Rescue, saw pet owners invited into the historic site to pay tribute to their pets and remember ones to have died over the last two years.

It was the first such event held since 2019, with 2020's service being cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

Canon Stephen Edwards led the service, highlighting the positive impact pets have on our lives and the joy they bring.

He said: "It is brilliant to see everyone here - it has been really difficult for so many, but to see everyone here and all their pets is really special.

"What I love about this event is how we remember the pets we have lost.

"A lot of people find it easier to grieve with other people there."

During the service, visitors were invited to share their stories of how their life had been blessed by their dog.

One owner introduced her retired guide-dog, saying: "She has taught me how to love, and I have never been loved in such a way before.

"She is my eyes and ears and gets me through life."

Another owner introduced his dog Molly, a greyhound, saying the dog had detected his wife's cancer.

Following the service's conclusion, pet owners were invited to come and deposit their cards in a manger.

On these cards, they wrote down their memories and tributes to their beloved pets.

Most of the pets in attendance were dogs, with the majority being greyhounds.

Despite this, there were a pair of cats in attendance too.