Vicar bans own dog from church

Rev Glyn Austin is hosting a pet blessing service at St Cenydd's in Llagennith in South Wales.

Members of the congregation and the local community have been invited to bring their animals to the church to celebrate the joy pets bring to their owners.

But the clergyman's dog Boots, a Jack Russell, won't be there because of his aggressive nature.

Speaking to the South Wales Evening Post, Rev Austin said: "I'd love to take Boots along but I'm afraid that members of the congregation have told me I can't take her. She's rather aggressive and she doesn't mix very well with other dogs. She doesn't like cats or rabbits either.

"I've done my best with her but she can be a bit of a problem. There are concerns she's a bit of an unchristian dog.

"I've tried with her but unfortunately she's still as aggressive as she was, so she's been banned."

A whole host of animals were expected at the service including a Shetland pony and its foal.