Saying goodbye to a much-loved pet is a terrible ordeal for any animal lover. But these two women claim the painful parting might not be the final farewell.

Mediums Deborah Baker and Lisa Edelman say they can talk to dead cats and dogs from beyond the grave.

At a special church service on Saturday, bereaved owners will queue up with photographs of their dead pets - each hoping for a brief chat with the dearly departed.

Mrs Edelman said it was a “wonderful privilege” to be able to reunite owners with their beloved pets.

She said: “We are going to be calling to creatures that have passed over to the spirit world. In the past I've spoken to a dead snake and even a dead giraffe.

“They talk to me and tell me what to say. It's like they put a picture in my mind. I just get sensations which help me understand how they are feeling.”

Mrs Edelman said the pet séance would help owners who had taken their much-loved animal to the vet to be put to sleep.

She said: "It's very comforting for people who feel guilty about having to take them away. But I've never spoken to a pet who told me they felt angry about being put down.” 

Up to 50 owners are expected to visit the Brighton and Hove Central Spiritualist Church in Boundary Passage for the special service on Saturday.

Many will bring their live pets to be blessed by church treasurer Deborah Baker, who will also give readings.

She said: “Animals do have a consciousness, a personality and a soul. We know that they dream, for instance.

“They're so devoted to us and they love us so unconditionally. And the animals just love being blessed. You can see their happy faces smiling.”

The service will be held at the Brighton and Hove Central Spiritualist Church in Boundary Passage on Saturday from 11am to 2pm.

All pets are welcome as long as they are animal and people-friendly. For more details contact 01273 731329.