When the people of Steeton welcomed their new vicar this summer they had no idea he would not be alone in the pulpit.

The Rev Martyn Pinnock, who was instituted in July, has a team of three very special assistants to help him, including a mole, a bear and a young boy with a big mouth.

Mr Pinnock is eager to introduce his assistant curate, the Rev Septimus Mole, and his friends, Chatsworth and Moses, to his new congregation.

The 55-year-old ex-naval officer employs the services of his puppet friends to help illustrate the meanings of many biblical tales and finds them especially useful in getting the message across to the younger members of his congregation.

He explained: "It is vital to use them as an illustration of your message and not a demonstration.

"What motivates me most is connecting with youngsters. One thing that exercises all ministers' minds is how do you connect with children?

"There is nothing wrong with regular services in church but they assume two things: One is knowledge and the other is that people understand the Bible, particularly children.

"Septimus is the storyteller. He is also terribly short-sighted, hence the glasses." Septimus entertains the children with various biblical tales seen from a mole's eye view.

Chatsworth is a bear who Mr Pinnock uses with older children and even adults.

"If I want to get volunteers up to the altar who are reluctant to come then Chatsworth goes and gets them," said Mr Pinnock.

Moses is very good with young children and plays peekaboo with them.