THE Priory at Bolton Abbey celebrated a successful lambing season on Sunday with a special service of thanksgiving for the lambs.

A congregation ranging in age from eight to 80 gathered in the church for readings and hymns, including a specially adapted version of All Things Bright and Beautiful in which lambs had an honorary mention.

The congregation then moved to the west tower for a prayer of thanksgiving, which was made special by the presence of two new-born lambs, less than 24 hours old, from local farmer Roland Carr.

The rector, the Rev Simon Cowling, said: “Given the vital importance of sheep farming in this part of Wharfedale, we felt that this was an excellent way to show our farming neighbours how much we value their contribution to our local economy and way of life."