It certainly wasn't your usual church service.

On Saturday, Christ Church, on Magdalen Road in New Catton, was filled with animals as it hosted its first ever pets service.

Norwich Evening News: Pet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLYPet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

In total, 23 owners brought 12 dogs to the service, which was followed by an animal quiz at the nearby Whalebone pub to raise cash for Hillside Animal Sanctuary, which is based in Frettenham near Norwich.

Norwich Evening News: Pet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLYPet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Reverend Laura Baker, the church's new vicar, said all the dogs were blessed at the altar rail - along with one child's electronic toy hamster.

Norwich Evening News: Pet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLYPet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

She said £100 was then raised at the quiz, with one family winning a hamper of dog and cat goodies from Willow Vets in Norwich, and described the day as 'very successful'.

Norwich Evening News: Pet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLYPet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

'I'm delighted with how it went and I'm hoping it will grow each year,' she said. 'It was brilliant to join the church up with the pub and the park.'

Norwich Evening News: Pet service at Christ Church New Catton. David and Anita Myhill with their dog, Monty.Picture: ANTONY KELLYPet service at Christ Church New Catton. David and Anita Myhill with their dog, Monty.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Norwich Evening News: Pet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLYPet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Norwich Evening News: Pet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLYPet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Norwich Evening News: Pet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLYPet service at Christ Church New Catton.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Norwich Evening News: Pet service at Christ Church New Catton. Rev Laura Baker with her Yorkshire Terrier, Finlay.Picture: ANTONY KELLYPet service at Christ Church New Catton. Rev Laura Baker with her Yorkshire Terrier, Finlay.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Norwich Evening News: Pet service at Christ Church New Catton. David and Anita Myhill with their dog, Monty.Picture: ANTONY KELLYPet service at Christ Church New Catton. David and Anita Myhill with their dog, Monty.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Norwich Evening News: Pet service at Christ Church New Catton. David and Anita Myhill with their dog, Monty.Picture: ANTONY KELLYPet service at Christ Church New Catton. David and Anita Myhill with their dog, Monty.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)