ANIMALS are invited to Studley Parish Church on Sunday when the annual pet service will take place.

For the first time, a dog called Rufus will be attending the service, which starts at 3pm.

He was found abandoned in 2006 and spent the night at Stratford Police Station.

He was on his way to Birmingham Dogs Home, possibly to face being put down, when a kind lady from HARK Ardens Grafton, an animal rescue centre, took him in.

He was unkempt, overweight and looked a much older dog than he actually was.

The Rev Richard Deimel said: "Rufus has since found a new home in Studley, gone to Weightwatchers, walks a lot and looks very handsome, youthful and full of life.

"He is very friendly. Rufus will be attending his first pet service and is looking forward to meeting other pets and humans on the day."