Hartlepool priest - and his lovable dog - overcome coronavirus lockdown by broadcasting services on Facebook

Father Nick Jennings broadcast morning prayers from St Mary’s Church on the Headland on Monday March 23 via Facebook.

The next morning he led mass at St John Vianney Church over the internet.

In the video at St Mary’s, Father Nick was upstaged by his lovable dog Mitzu who wandered into view wagging her tail.

Father Nick said: “I tried to lock her in the sacristy but she got out. She doesn’t like being left alone.

“She often lies down next to me when I’m saying my prayers, so she’s happy there.”

Mitzu’s antics proved a hit with viewers who have appreciated the chance to still be part of daily rituals.

The broadcasts come as Boris Johnson banned all church services and events apart from funerals in tough new lockdown measures announced this week.

Father Nick added: “There’s been no public mass for over a week so I thought I would do it.

“Lots of priests are having to learn new tricks they have never bothered with before.

“It is a steep learning curve for us. Quite a few priests are live streaming.”

St Aidan’s and St Columba churches have also been livestreaming daily prayers and services.

St Mary’s plans to broadcast more services including Stations of the Cross from St Patrick’s Church on Saturday, March 28, at 9.30am and a Sunday mass at 10am at a location to be confirmed. Check its Facebook page for further details.