ALL CREATURES great and small will be welcomed into the flock at Reigate Methodist Church.

Pets of all shapes and sizes will be joining churchgoers for a special thanksgiving service on Saturday, September 11.

FAITHFUL ANIMALS: The Rev Clive McKie and his wife, Carolyn, prepare their pets for the service on September 11, with help from sons Sam, left, Tom, right, and Josh cuddling rescued greyhound, Mandy

The service is being held as part of the second phase of the church's fundraising scheme to build a community centre.

Churchgoers have already helped raise £1.1 million towards the cost of the first phase of the development, which began in February with the demolition of the Rank Memorial Hall.

Phase two of the project will see a hall linking the church, off High Street, to the new community centre, costing an estimated £70,000.

The Reverend Clive McKie told the Mirror: "I'm looking forward to the event as it helps the local community engage in a project that will benefit many people for years to come."

After the service, owners and pets will have the chance to be photographed, with their picture added to the hundreds of faces to be printed as part of a mosaic.

Reigate Photographic Society will be taking the pictures, while representatives from Reigate-based Canon UK will develop photographs for free as part of their Canon CARE Scheme.

Ambitious fundraisers hope donations of £10 from owners, and £5 from their pets, will add £20,000 towards the phase-two budget.

Mr McKie added: "The mosaic is going to be a great way for the churchgoers to interact with the new building at the church and contribute some way to its development.

"My family will also be taking part in the day's events, along with my chickens."

Priory Veterinary Surgery will also be present on the day, handing out advice to any pet owners in need of help and helping calm down any boisterous pets.

For more information, visit www.reigatemethodist.org.uk