Donkeys joined the processions to mark Palm Sunday at churches across Ryedale.

 St Michael’s Church in Malton is organising several events and activities for local residents and families to commemorate Easter.

The church started this year’s Palm Sunday service with a procession in Malton. Members of the congregation were heard singing hymns as they walked around the Market Place. There were also two donkeys that symbolised the traditional story of this special day.

St Michael’s Church Warden Heather Williams said: “It is believed that this is the first time in living memory that donkeys were part of the Palm Sunday celebration at St Michael’s. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us on this holy occasion. It was so lovely to see the Church absolutely full.”

Director of Music Alison Forster added: “In addition to the procession outside the Church, we organised a drama that told the Passion story during the service. The children did an amazing job. We also had participation from members of the congregation.”

Reverend Glyn Diggins said: “To celebrate the rest of the Easter season, St Michael’s is planning family activities that include making the Easter Garden on Good Friday bank holiday. There will also be a trail outside the Church in the Market Place that will tell the story of Easter, together with drama, songs, a brass band and refreshments. Everyone is welcome to join us from 10am to 12 noon on Friday, 7th April. The traditional Easter Day service will be on Sunday, 9th April, at 9:30am.”

North Yorkshire Councillor George Jabbour, who attended the service, explained: “After reading in the Gazette & Herald about the plans that the Church had prepared, I decided to visit St Michael’s on Palm Sunday. It was such a beautiful and moving service. I also met many members of the congregation. Everyone is so kind and welcoming.”

In addition to the events and activities that have been organised for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, there will be a Communion Service on Maundy Thursday, April, 6, at 7pm at St Michael's.

Meanwhile, on Palm Sunday Hovingham Methodist Chapel members were joined by The Street Church Benefice members to process with a donkey around the village.

A spokesperson said: "We sang Ride on, ride on in majesty, whilst proudly holding our Palm Crosses. Outside the Reverend Canon Simon Wright gave various readings and we followed him into the Parish Church for a communion service. Bible passages were read by Sir William Worsley, Anne Westwood and Canon Wright. Rob Sanderson was the organist."