AN unusual church service involving donkeys and other farm animals was held at Pershore Abbey on Sunday.

The donkey pageant, last staged at the Abbey three years ago, told the story of animals in the life of Jesus. Youngsters from schools in Pershore and church groups re-enacted major biblical events.

Organiser Suzanne Clarke said: “One of the little girls rode one of the donkeys with Joseph and that was really moving,” she said. “There was also a boy riding on the donkey to represent Palm Sunday and the congregation followed him round the abbey singing.