Creatures great and small were thanked for their contribution to society at a special church service in Snetterton on Saturday.

From dogs to donkeys, animals were blessed at the church by the Rev Michael Langlan.

One of the animals which was blessed at the service was Tinker, a World Horse Welfare rehabilitated horse that was brought to the charity's attention after she was spotted by a welfare caller through a train window.

Two-year-old Tinker was found collapsed by a river bank in Downham Market, along with a group of ponies that were emaciated, full of lice and had serious skin complaints.

With the help of the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, the animals were rehabilitated back to full health.

Tinker, who is now based at a farm in Shipdham, was rehomed as a youngster in 2005. She is now 11 years old and has been broken in to ride.

Tina Sale, head of direct marketing at World Horse Welfare, said: 'It was very important to us that it was family-friendly.

'We had a good turnout and about 60 people were there. People from livery yards came to try it for the first time.

'The feedback was incredible and everyone said that they had enjoyed it.

'Everything went better than we had expected and it was something we could do for all age groups.'

The congregation sang hymns including Morning Has Broken, All Things Bright and Beautiful and Thank the Lord for this Fine Day, during the service which was held outside in the churchyard.

After the service the vicar blessed the horses who were currently undergoing rehabilitation at the charity's base at Hall Farm.

It is the first time the charity has hosted an event like this and Ms Sale said they hoped to do it again.

'We wanted to do something a bit different which reflected the work of World Horse Welfare but we also wanted to make it accessible to families and children. It was a very happy service' she added.