THE congregation of a Jewish synagogue in Elstree gained a few extra members on Sunday – of the animal world.

The service at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, in High Road, brought their pets to celebrate the “diversity of creation and the joy of companionship.”

Encouraged by his six-month-old Yorkshire Terrier, Milo, Rabbi Pete Tobias sent an invitation to all members of his congregation inviting them for a short service on behalf of their pets.

He said: “The service, a series of readings about the relationship between humans and animals, took place in the synagogue car park and was attended by more than a dozen dogs and some forty human beings.

“It was a joyful event and the human participants said they looked forward to similar ceremonies in the future. None of the dogs was available to comment.”