A DONKEY named Sydney stole the show as he made his way down Dunfermline High Street at a special Palm Sunday service.

The four-legged friend made his debut last year and around 70 people waved palm branches as he again joined owner Sheena McConnell and dozens of delighted children in a procession from the Mercat Cross to the historic Abbey Church of Dunfermline.

The day marks Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem on a donkey days before his death and resurrection.

Abbey minister, the Reverend Mary Ann Rennie, said: “The congregation of the Abbey Church were delighted to play host to Sydney on Palm Sunday as a timely reminder of the importance of peace and humility in times of turmoil, portrayed during this special time in the Christian calendar and the journey to Easter.”

The procession and service marked the beginning of Holy Week at the Abbey.

Special evening services took place earlier in the week and will continue with a Maundy Thursday service tonight at 7pm.

The Abbey Choristers will be part of the service and will also be present, adding to the solemnity of Good Friday, during a Tenebrae Service at 7pm. A vigil service will take place on Easter Saturday at 5pm, followed by a special sunrise service in the grounds of the Abbey the next morning at 6.30am.

A special family service will begin at 11am on Easter Sunday and will be followed by an Easter chick hunt and traditional egg rolling for families.

Mary Ann added: “We look forward to engaging with the wider community during this very special week in the Christian calendar.”