GEESE, guinea pigs and a pony called Dylan were some of the unusual visitors to a Ryedale church at the weekend.

St Mary's Priory, Old Malton, held its annual Rogation Sunday service, with animals and crops being blessed as part of the traditional rural service.

The Rev Nick Jones, Rural Dean of Southern Ryedale, preached at the service.

But when it came to the outdoors part of the afternoon there was something of a challenge, said the Vicar of Old Malton, the Rev John Manchester.

"We got outside and it was just slightly raining, and then it came down in a torrent and we were really caught out," he said.

"It was a lovely service, but we had to go under the porch and then continue inside."

Updated: 11:37 Tuesday, May 27, 2003