CHURCHES across the Forest marked Palm Sunday with special services and some even featured donkeys. Christians in Tidenham walked behind Breeze the donkey to St Luke's Church at Tutshill with evergreens taking the place of palms. John Ross carried the Cross.

The day started with Holy Communion and a dramatic reading of the Passion at Tidenham Church.

Following the procession from Tutshill Memorial Hall there were fun activities for children at Tutshill Church of England Primary School and a dramatic reading of the Passion at St Luke's.

In the evening there was a performance at Tidenham Parish Church of Bach's St Matthew's Passion.

Bishop Christopher Hill, the former Bishop of Guildford, preached at churches in the Drybrook, Lydbrook and Ruardean benefice and was joined by Bertha the donkey at the Forest Church, Drybrook.

Doris the donkey arrived just in time at Lydbrook thanks to a flat battery on her transport.

Members of the three churches in the Benefice of Cinderford and Littledean – St Stephen's, St John's and St Ethelbert's gathered in the Triangle in Cinderford for the Palm Sunday procession to St Stephen's Church.

The service was conducted by Rev Mike Barnsley and assisted by Anthea Beresford with Chris Taylor carrying the Cross.

The congregation processed to St Stephen's church singing All Glory Laud and Honour where they joined many others for the service that included the narration of the Passion and communion. After the service refreshments were served.

The processions mark the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding a donkey at the start of Holy Week.