Dogs, rabbits and cats were just some of the animals which received a blessing when a procession in honour of St Francis of Assisi took to the streets of Luton on Sunday.

About 300 people set off from the Holy Ghost Church in Westbourne Road.

Monsignor Kevin McGinnell said: "It was a great thing for the Italian community to come together. They've been very much a part of Luton for so long and they invited other people from outside Luton too.

"It was nice to do what they would do at home for a big feast day over here. The people in the local roads seemed very interested. It was the first time the procession has gone outside the car park. They really tried to encourage everybody to get involved."

The Italian vice consul came from Bedford and the president of the Italian Association of England from London.

And the St Francis procession was not the only big event taking place at Holy Ghost on Sunday.

The night before, the Cavan Association celebrated 25 years in Luton with both the Anglican and Catholic bishops of Kilmore in attendance.

Bishop Leo O'Reilly led the first mass at Holy Ghost on Sunday, with Bishop Ken Clark in the congregation.

Mnsgr McGinnell said: "The Cavan Association was very proud that both bishops came over."

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