A 'WONDER dog' has been helping to make pupils' school experiences even happier at a primary school in Bridgwater.

Buddy the black Labrador, now four years old, has been a hit among students at Willowdown Primary School.

He fulfils an array of roles in order to help pupils' mental wellbeing and aid their learning experience.

Headteacher Natalie Sweet said: “Buddy is incredibly popular and is brilliant to further enhance the mental health and learning of our pupils. 

“There is always a queue of pupils to just love to read their books to him, and he equally enjoys every minute.

“He has an incredibly calm manner which helps in so many ways.”

The clever canine loves listening to the children read their books, and in turn, they enjoy telling him their stories, problems, and showing him their latest work. 

At the end of the summer term, he enjoys playing cricket with the Year 6 children.

Willowdown Primary School pupils help to take care of Buddy, as assigned Buddy Helpers and a Buddy Champion assist with his training around the school.

The school had to choose a specific breeder for Buddy to ensure he would meet the criteria they needed for a calm support dog.

Dog charities provided training, support, and guidance both at their centres and in school for his training and preparation for the role.