DOG owners who have lost a pet are invited to a special memorial service at Cheshire Dogs’ Home on Sunday.

A Christmas tree will be dedicated to deceased pets and members of the public are invited to write messages on special cards which will then be tied onto the tree.

Anna Widdowson, general manager of Cheshire Dogs’ Home, said: “Dogs can be very much part of the family and losing them is devastating.

“People light church candles for deceased human relatives around Christmas time and we’d like to offer an alternative to all the people out there who’d like to remember a pet.

“It’s important to be able to symbolize remembrance like this, whether it’s for people or for pets, both of which can play huge parts in our lives.”

On the day Anna will herself be writing message cards in memory of her dogs Amber and Buffy.

The service starts at 2pm at the Grappenhall-based dogs’ home where a choir will also be in attendance.

Donations of £1 will be requested, all the proceeds of which will go towards caring for dogs at the home.