CREATURES great and small were honoured at Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s animal Christmas blessing and festive service last week.

The Rev Geoffrey Walsh of Membury Parish Church took the service held at the barn at the sanctuary.

Children from Chard Local Kids Society for Music and Drama (CLOKS) sang carols. Families turned out and 25 animals were blessed on the night.

Ferne head of fundraising and marketing Sharon Pavey said: “It was wonderful to see our barn packed with supporters and their animals.

“Thank you to Rev Walsh for taking such a lovely service and to the CLOKS choir and Mary Tucker on piano.

“Thanks also to Sainsbury’s, the Co-op and Tesco for donating the mulled wine and mince pies and to B&Q for our lovely Christmas tree.

“A special thanks to Jill Harlow for doing all of the running around the week before to make it a very special evening.”