Donkeys in demand as processions mark the start of Holy Week

Donkeys have been in great demand across the diocese for Palm Sunday processions which have been held by churches in the area to mark the start of Holy Week.

Bonnie the Donkey (pictured right) led the Palm Sunday procession along Leeds Road Harrogate for two open air acts of worship - outside St Mark's Church, then on to Trinity Methodist Church where a combined service was held on the Stray.

(Below) Revd Paul Hooper (right), with Bonnie, surrounded by her admirers, at the Palm Sunday service held in the open-air on the Stray at Harrogate

Revd Mark Godfrey of Trinity Methodist Church preaches to the joint congregation

Immediately following her first engagement of the day, Bonnie, owned by Carol Tetlow, was back in the horse box and over to Starbeck for a second procession. And if that wasn't enough, later on Palm Sunday it was down to St George's Leeds for Bonnie, and a Palm Sunday procession through the streets of the city.

Palm Sunday celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a donkey - the start of the church's Holy Week, recollecting the events leading to Jesus's death and resurrection.

Another procession took place through the city streets from The Light shopping centre to Leeds Parish Church for the Palm Sunday Eucharist.

This time, the 19-year-old donkey, named Eeyore, was on loan from The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys in Eccup, Leeds.  (Picture courtesy Yorkshire Post Newspapers)