THE rider would no doubt need a hard hat or crash helmet and hi-viz jacket to repeat this scene today.

But in 1965, there were no such health and safety considerations when Pet the donkey was recruited to re-enact the events of Palm Sunday.

However, the re-telling of Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion on Good Friday didn’t exactly go to plan.

The idea was for Pet to process around St Mary’s Church at Chipping Norton to add colour to a service attended by 150 Sunday School children in 1965.

But the donkey had other ideas. First, there was a battle of wills between Pet and the vicar, the Rev Richard Jeans.

Neither tugs nor coaxing by her mistress, Helen McKnight, of West Street, Chipping Norton, could induce her through the church door.

Finally, Mr Jeans decided on sterner measures. Helped by a parishioner, he picked up Pet and carried her, struggling, across the threshold.

Once inside, however, she behaved like a lady, standing quietly in the aisle throughout the 25-minute service. The idea of parading her round the church was apparently abandoned.

In the picture above, Pet is seen being held by Miss McKnight. On her back is nine-year-old Nicholas Fiddler, of Walterbush Road, Chipping Norton, playing the part of Jesus.

Pet had earned a reputation for being awkward at services at the church.

On Palm Sunday the previous year, she stopped at the church door after leading the children to church and refused to budge, staying outside braying during the service.

Mr Jeans said: “Even carrots won’t work with Pet. We tried them last Christmas when we wanted her to take part in a nativity tableau in the church.”