Mandy takes a bow as ‘holiest dog in the Church of England’

Owners Jean and Vernon Merry unwittingly encouraged Mandy’s behaviour when they took her inside with them on a day when it was too hot to leave her in their car.

That was 13 years ago when she was a pup and Mandy has not missed a service since.

The well-behaved pet quietly sits through prayers and readings then church-goers take turns to hold her as they file up to the altar to receive communion.

The unusual sight of a dog in church caught the eye of the Bishop of Wakefield Stephen Platten.

The animal-loving cleric then blessed her after he led Evensong at nearby St Thomas the Apostle church to mark its 150th anniversary.

They began taking Mandy to a church near their old home before moving to their new address and church.

Vicar Guy Jamieson said: “Mandy never misses a Sunday morning

“She has never made a sound in all that time – never a single bark or whimper. I can simply describe her as the holiest dog in the Church of England.”