Jess is football-mad

With the World Cup almost upon them, families of the Parish of Little Missenden in Buckinghamshire enjoyed a traditional Whitsun Treat with a twist this year.

Following the morning service families gathered for a game of football with England hopeful Jess (alias the Revd John Simpson’s football-mad Welsh Border Collie).

Unlike fellow Collies Jess has no interest in sheep, preferring to practise her footballing talents at every opportunity.

Coach Simpson remarked: ‘Her most spectacular move is in the air, perfectly controlling the ball with her nose. She’s a natural.’

Anyone happening upon the Whitsuntide game between children and collie might think they had gone doggone mad. But the game also had a serious purpose, giving parishioners the chance to get together.

John said: ‘It was great fun - a match made in heaven!’