On behalf of the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals (ASWA), I would like to say a huge thank-you to all who attended the Blessing of Animals service, On Sunday, October 4, where many people and their pets gathered in St Andrew's Church, Jarrom Street, in the city, to celebrate Animal Welfare Sunday, which happened to fall on the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi.

This year was the 21st service for animal welfare to be held in Leicester. The very first service was held at the Church of St James the Greater, London Road, on October 1, 1989. In 1990, the service moved to St Andrew's Church, where each subsequent event has been held.

In that time, animals of all shapes and sizes have attended and many hundreds of pounds has been raised and donated to both local and national animal charities from collections taken at each event.

One of the highlights each year is the presentation of music by Whetstone Badgerbrook County Primary School Choir. Looking back over my records, I was amazed to discover that they have been singing for us, each year, since 1994. We are deeply indebted to the school, teachers and all the children, as well as their parents, who provide the transport which enables them to attend each year.

They are all truly wonderful and so deserving of our thanks for all the joy they have given to so many people over the years.

This year, was no exception and we do thank them all for the wonderful contribution they make to this annual event.

Special thanks must go to Mr Chris Stephens for organising this event; to representatives of the various animal charities attending and also to members of St Andrew's Church, for their warm hospitality each year.

Linda J Bodicoat, ASWA, Leicestershire.

Editor's footnote: We have been asked to point out that an error occurred in our Community News coverage giving publicity of the service, which resulted in some people arriving too late to take part in the service. We apologise to them all.