Primary school pupils are taking great pleasure in developing their reading skills through the help of a cocker spaniel. 

'Bobbi' the dog helps children who are reluctant to read and those with visual impairments at Oakhill Primary School every Friday under the 'Read2Dogs' therapy initiative. 

The school's newest member of support staff belongs to year 5 pupil Amelie Victor and has had to undergo extensive training to suit the learning environment. 

Research has shown that reading aloud to a dog helps improve children's reading ability as well as increasing their confidence and enjoyment of reading. 

'Bobbi' has previously helped children at Joseph Clarke School in Highams Park and Greenside School in Stevenage.

Besides taking on the role of a reading mentor, Bobbi has helped many children overcome a phobia of dogs.