A FOUR-legged special guest accompanied children and staff in Bellingham on their Easter procession through the village last week.

The Rev. Susan Ramsaran led the procession along with 15-year-old donkey, ‘The Rt Honourable Horatio Donk’, and his owner Sally Bland, on Friday.

Children from Bellingham Middle School and North Tynies Children’s Centre carried palm leaves, while walking from the school through the centre of the village to St Cuthbert’s Church, where they had an end of term service.

At the service, the children read about about Palm Sunday and Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

Four Bellingham Middle School pupils – Olivia Murray, Jemima Shaw, Casie Hunter and Bethany Tully – each sang solo parts of the hymn There is a Green Hill Far Away .

Dr Ramsaran said: “We always have an end of term service for the middle school, but this time because it was the Friday before Palm Sunday we did something to represent the last week of Jesus’ life.

“It was a lovely day – clear, bright and dry. The procession was a nice way to represent Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a donkey. I was delighted the children enjoyed the service; they read very well and sang very well. It was quite a thoughtful time.

“Particularly when the girls sang the song, the children seemed to be very understanding. The story brings hope - it’s about Jesus dying and rising for us.”

When the children left the church they each got a palm cross and had a photo opportunity with The Rt Honourable Horatio Donk, who had travelled from Muggleswick with owner Sally.

The star of the show was a hit with the children, having previously won the first prize for Best Family Donkey at Stanhope Show.