A VILLAGE vicar is hoping someone will lend him a donkey in time for Palm Sunday.

The Rev Peter Holzapfel, rector of St Mary's Church in Kempsey, near Worcester, wants the animal to lead the annual procession on Sunday, March 16, through the village and into the church.

Mr Holzapfel said: "I have always wanted to have a donkey lead the procession to the church and up the aisle.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the praises of his people, so we welcome him once again into our church and into our lives.

"We would also like to invite people to join us. There will be a fellowship lunch in the church afterwards."

Palm Sunday is the start of the Christian Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday - which this year falls on Sunday, March 23.

It commemorates the day Jesus is meant to have triumphantly entered Jerusalem, greeted by a cheering crowd.

The service at St Mary's Church in Kempsey is being jointly held with St Denys Church in nearby Severn Stoke.

Anyone who can loan Mr Holzapfel a donkey is urged to call him on 01905 820202.