Children can bring their pets along to be blessed along with farm animals in a church car park in Stratford on Sunday (Oct 7).

St Francis of Assisi church on Grove Crescent Road will be ending a week long celebration of their patron saint by holding a mini farm animal road show in their parish car park.

The Italian preacher, St Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226, is known as the patron saint for animals and the environment.

Father Anthony Cho said: “A fellow friar, who works on a farm, will be bringing along goats, chicken and ducks. We are also inviting children to bring their pets along for a blessing.

“Our patron saint was all about creation and peace, and understanding how everything is interrelated.

The gathering will start from 2.30pm in car park ahead of the blessing at 3pm.