PUPILS from St Anne’s Fulshaw Primary School had a special visitor, when Barkers of Alderley Road, Wilmslow and charity Dogs for Good visited the school for a festive storytelling session.

Pupils enjoyed a magical storytelling session led by Sophy Maudsley from Barkers, where they were read the Lily’s Kitchen Gingerbread Dog Christmas book alongside specially-trained reading dog, Venice the Golden Retriever and his owner Helen White.

The pupils were then encouraged to take it in turns at reading the story to Venice, who helped to create a calming atmosphere where the pupils could relax and focus on their reading.

Copies of the book were left with the school as a gift from Barkers, with all proceeds of the book going to the PDSA.

Venice is a trained reading dog and visits children in the area with the organisation, Dogs for Good, helping children with their education and especially learning to read.

Sophy Maudsley said: “We had a fantastic time, and it was amazing to see how much of a calming effect Venice had on the children.

“There are many benefits to children of working with reading dogs, including reduced stress, enhanced self-esteem, and increased confidence, so it was great to be able to work with Dogs for Good and Venice.”

Clare Daniel, headteacher at St Anne’s Fulshaw, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Barkers of Wilmslow, Dogs for Good and Venice for this festive story telling session.

“The Lily’s Kitchen Gingerbread Dog story is a lovely book, and the children absolutely loved meeting Venice!”

Dogs for Good work with many dogs across the country to help children of all ages with learning, education and their everyday lives.