A NEW tradition for Palm Sunday in Saddleworth began this week with the help of two donkeys.

The loveable duo, Slim and Shandy, accompanied the congregations from the St Chads Parish Centre on Lee Street and processed to Uppermill High Street and the Methodist Church for songs and prayers.

The donkeys, from Stanley near Hardwick Hall, were led by the Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, and accompanied by adults and children.

The procession marked the beginning of Holy Week - the seven days leading up to Easter - and recalls the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem with crowds waving palm branches.

Traditionally, palm crosses are distributed and kept as a reminder of the events of Good Friday and Easter.

Saddleworth’s spiritual leader, Canon Sharon Jones commented: “It was a beautiful sunny morning and the children and adults absolutely loved the donkeys.

“There were bemused stares as we headed down the High Street but it’s good to provoke the deeper questions about the connections between life and faith and the traditions which hold communities together.”

And the Canon revealed the church has received a staggering anonymous pledge £25,000 to boost the restoration appeal to rebuilt part of ancient St Chads church.

“It is wonderful and most generous,” she declared. “Particularly coming at Easter.”

Earlier, the canon, team rector of Saddleworth, had outlined a vision to save an iconic parish church from becoming a “fossilised relic.”

She warned parishioners unless urgent restoration work - costing one million pounds - was carried out the church could close in 10 years.

Follow the links on cofeinsaddleworth.org.uk