Donkey appeal for cathedral's Palm Sunday service

Donkeys have led the processions at Peterborough Cathedral's previous Palm Sunday services

A cathedral has appealed for anyone with donkeys to come forward to help with its Palm Sunday procession.

Peterborough Cathedral said it was struggling to find two animals to lead this year's event on 24 March.

The donkeys would be given a bag of carrots and their owners reimbursed travel costs to get them to the start of the procession at the Guildhall.

Canon Precentor Dr Rowan Williams said the event was "the highlight of the year".

The cathedral said it was struggling to find animals for this year's event on 24 March

She said: "We need some calm donkeys who are OK with big crowds.

"They would be welcome to stay back after their part is finished and eat the grass at the cathedral, and people can make a fuss of them.

“The service is usually the highlight of the year... a very significant week for Christians.”

This year’s service also marks the first time Peterborough’s new Bishop, the Right Reverend Debbie Sellin, will be in residence.