BUDDY the cockapoo is the newest name on village school's register.

The nine-week-old puppy only joined West Cornforth Primary School, in County Durham, on Wednesday and has already made a big impression on pupils, staff and families.

Buddy will live with nursery teacher Laura Smith but be in school every day and be part of lessons, act as a therapy dog and be a friendly, cuddly companion for new-starters.

Teachers believe Buddy will increase youngsters' appetite for learning and there is research to show that pupils' attendance and behaviour will improve thanks to the presence of a school dog.

Jane Brown, the school's English coordinator, said: "We have a lot of children with very different needs and felt a dog would be a good all round addition to school life.

"I have dogs and know how calming they can be, he'll help children who feel anxious and nervous, build pupils' confidence and give them responsibility.

"Pupils have been reading to him and value his undivided attention. Three days in we've already seen children who are reluctant to read aloud, reading happily to him, and reluctant writers coming forward to get involved in a dog vlog."Also, some pupils cannot have a dog at home for whatever reason so it is nice for them to have a school pet."

Pupils are already smitten with their canine classmate.

Charlotte Biggs, nine, said: "Everyone has been really excited, people will come to school more and he'll help calm us. He's good to read to and respecting a dog teaches us to respect each other. He's really friendly, I think anyone scared of dogs would change after a nice hug off Buddy."

Beth Stanley, ten, said: "He'll help with attendance, anxiety, makes everyone in school happy and if a child doesn't want to talk to a teacher they might feel okay talking to him first. The PE teacher said he might run around with us sometimes."