THERE was a baptism with a difference at Himbleton Church.

Youngsters from reception and year 1 at Himbleton Church of England first school, near Droitwich, were there to celebrate the baptism of the school's much loved class puppet Mini Max.

On the walk, each year 1 pupil held the hand of a new reception pupil to demonstrate the school's values of friendship.

They were met at the church by Reverend David Morris and were invited to take part in the ceremony with jobs such as filling the font, unlocking the safe for the special shell and the special oil as well as choosing which stole Rev Morris should wear and why.

The youngsters also took on the roles of parents and godparents and offered prayers.

Rev Morris led the baptism, explaining each part of the service to the children.

During proceedings, Mini Max got a little bit wet - along with some of the children.

Before leaving, the children learnt about the pastoral candle and then carefully took a candle back to school for Mini Max.

There they enjoyed a christening party with cake for everyone.