Dog collar aids priest's shelf esteem

The Rev Peter Mallinson had the collar of his Sainsbury's-issue maroon shirt specially adapted by his wife Fiona, 61, after he became ordained. And so far the reaction from colleagues and customers at

the store where he works in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, has only been positive, he said.

Today, the 52-year-old will be working as usual and his duties will probably include stacking shelves with hot cross buns to celebrate Good Friday.

Mr Mallinson said: "When I came back from being ordained I had already spoken to my manager and I asked if I could wear it for a couple of days.

"He said 'yes', but afterwards I didn't wear it and a couple of staff asked where it had gone. I had to be a bit careful but I then asked the new manager who said I could wear it."

He added: "I haven't had a negative reaction. It's quite nice to walk across the shop floor and be greeted by people of the older generation who say "morning padre".

"The collar actually breaks barriers down. Customers speak to you perhaps more than they otherwise would."