Camels led through grounds of Hereford Cathedral

Snow and ice did not stop three camels visiting Hereford on Sunday to take part in a church service outside the cathedral.

The animals were in Cathedral Close to mark the eve of Epiphany, a Christian feast day commemorating the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

Despite the cold, Bishop of Hereford, the Right Reverend Richard Jackson, said the Gobi Desert natives did not get the hump.

"They're used to very much colder temperatures than this, so I think they'll take it in their stride," he said.

The Bishop conducted the family-friendly services in the cathedral grounds at 13:00 and 14:00 GMT, with the animals walking around the congregation.

"Traditionally [the Magi] visited Jesus riding on camels, so it seemed a good idea to get some camels to come and celebrate with us," he said.

His last service before he goes on sabbatical, the Bishop described it as "probably one of the more unusual" ones he had led.

"But, it's been a great joy, lots of people have joined in, it's been great fun," he added.

Two of the animals, who travelled from Joseph's Amazing Camels in Idlicote, Warwickshire, were ridden by their handlers Daisy and Leo Fossett.

Revd Canon Chancellor James Pacey, from Hereford Cathedral, donned a golden crown to stand in at short notice to ride the third.

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