They’re said to be man’s best friend, but it seems this pooch has been getting on famously with children too.

Maisie May visits Harden Primary in Long Lane each week to help children develop a passion for reading.

She is a Pat (Pets as Therapy) dog which is part of a Read2Dogs programme the school became involved with through the Rotary Club of Bradford West.

Deputy headteacher Angela Smith said: “The programme has been running in our school since February and we are the first school in the area to take part. Feedback from both children and parents has been fantastic and all children who have taken part so far are developing into excellent readers who love books and will now choose to read.

“Maisie May and her owner Dr Anne Raine have become part of the school and everyone loves to see them.

“Children give Maisie cuddles and talk to Maisie too. It is a really good programme to promote the love of reading and allows pupils to become confident readers without the pressure of reading to an adult.”