THE annual pet blessing ceremony is returning to Worcester Cathedral once again, with a surprise turn this year.

The service, on September 16 at 5.30, will be filmed for an episode of Songs of Praise, due to be aired on October 2.

The episode will celebrate the way pets enrich and enhance people's lives.

Presented by the Reverend Kate Botley, the episode will feature the annual service, which sees residents bring their cats, dogs and any other animals to the Cathedral for a special service.

The service will be a celebration of our beloved pets, and Canon John Paul Hoskins, precentor at Worcester Cathedral, will be conducting the service.

Canon Hoskins said: "We are so pleased to be able to hold our pet blessing service once again this year.

"Animals make such a difference in our lives; they are part of our families, there for us in good times and bad and give us unconditional love.

"Many people take great pleasure in the companionship of a pet. And for those who have suffered and are grieving, pets can bring great comfort to their owners.

"We look forward to taking a moment to give thanks and praise for all of our beloved animal companions."

The feature will be presented by the Reverend Kate Bottley, a great animal lover herself.

The service will start at 5.30pm and last roughly 30 minutes.

The Cathedral asks that the congregation is seated by 5.20pm.

Please do pre-book your free tickets by visiting www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/petblessing to allow the Cathedral team to manage capacity, and bring your pets along for a joyous and uplifting service.

All creatures, great and small, are welcome and those who wish to attend without a pet are warmly welcome too; there will be additional seating for our human worshippers, as well as an area for smaller pets.

To express your interest in being interviewed for Songs of Praise, book your tickets in the first instance, then email info@worcestercathedral.org.uk with your story so that the cathedral can pass your details on to the Songs of Praise team.

For more information, please visit www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/whats-on