Reception children at St Barnabas Primary School, Market Lavington, have a new four-legged classmate to read to, as part of a scheme to increase their confidence.

Dibley, a French briard, will be a regular at the school, in Drove Lane, as part of charity Pets As Therapy’s Read 2 Dogs programme.

Dibley will visit once a week, to help reluctant readers.

Lindsay Clough, the assistant headteacher and special needs co-ordinator, said: “We heard about the programme and thought it was great idea to help encourage the children to read and the feedback has been very positive.

“The reception children involved have been really engaged with reading to Dibley, as the focus is not on them, allowing them to relax.

“We intend to use the programme with each new reception class as an ongoing boost to reading levels at the school.”

The dogs are registered for the purpose and give pupils the chance to practise the skill of reading while having the dog to help them relax and enjoy sharing stories.