JOEY the donkey took Palm Sunday in his stride as he made his way through the streets of York for a special service at The Minster.

The 14-year-old donkey made his way yesterday morning from St Helen’s Square, through crowds of onlookers, to the west door of the Minster, where he was led through the Nave and out through the South Door.

The procession included a large line of people carrying palm leaves, who went on to attended the Eucharist service at the Minster.

The Rev Canon Peter Moger, precentor of York Minster, said: “We are delighted this year that we were able to begin our Palm Sunday celebration in the heart of the city, in St Helen’s Square.

“It was a particular delight to have the civic party with us, and that such a large congregation was able to be part of the service that starts our keeping of Holy Week. Sunshine, a brass band, a donkey, the Minster Choir and Sunday School all played a vital part.”

• Palm Sunday is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar after Christmas and Easter.

Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter, and marks the beginning of Holy Week, the week of events leading up to Jesus’ death.

Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.

The gospels record the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, while the crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the street to honour him as their long-awaited Messiah and King.