Millie Trenholm

Worcester Cathedral is inviting animals including llamas, lizards, spiders, sheep and stick insects to an animal blessing service. Canon Kimberly Bohan said the tradition supports people worried about aging or ill pets and recognizes the important role of working and retired service animals, including police and search-and-rescue dogs. The 30-minute service will also accommodate smaller animals, provided they behave safely around others. Previous services have included a singing goat named Pablo, who became a local media sensation.

Visitors described fearing for their lives after two rhinos fighting at West Midlands Safari Park charged into vehicles on 9 August. Zoe Farmer said her car was struck while her four-year-old grandson was inside and criticized the park for offering a refund and free return visit rather than providing immediate reassurance. Charlotte Baker said the incident left her family distressed and that her husband required hospital treatment the following day. The park said three vehicles were affected, keepers responded immediately, guests were checked and offered assistance, and the animals were placed under close observation. It reminded visitors that the safari drive is an environment where animals roam freely and said guest and animal safety remained its highest priority.