Yavneh College has a new learning assistant to help improve pupils' literacy - Flick, a 12-year-old Jack Russell terrier.

Once a week the dog comes into Borehamwood secondary school with her owner, Susan Marks, to lend a paw in Year-seven classrooms.

Research has shown that children who struggle with reading fiction aloud can overcome their anxiety with moral support from a four-legged friend.

Barbara Lazarus, literacy co-ordinator at the Borehamwood school, said, "Flick is a dog in a million. Her rapport with the pupils is second to none. She has enabled them to recognise that reading can be fun, engaging and a great confidence builder."

Children sit with Flick on their lap or by their side and pat her as they read.

So successful has been the new honorary member of the English department that the college intends to extend the initiative to groups throughout the school.