It's just a jump to the left...

Vicar The Rev John Roden demonstrates the sheep-dip shuffle as he prepares for this weekend's Easter communion service at St John's Church, Acaster Selby.

The church, which is approached through a field of sheep, opens for the first time in six months this weekend after an extensive refurbishment and visitors will have to disinfect their footwear to guard against foot and mouth.

Mr Roden, the priest in charge of the parish of Appleton Roebuck, which includes the church at Acaster Selby, said: "People will have to disinfect at the gate before they can cross the field and they're not allowed to drive their cars onto the field as usual."

He said some parishioners would probably arrive in Wellington boots - but this was nothing new to them because they often have to walk to church through the field when it is flooded.

He said: "The sheep sometimes follow me but they didn't for the picture because I was wearing my cassock and surplice and I think it frightened them off."

The Easter communion service takes place at 9.15am on Easter Sunday.

Updated: 15:09 Thursday, April 12, 2001