This bounding border collie is not only a viral sensation – but also a great help for those taking up agriculture.

Daisy went viral in November after charming the nation when she was captured on video doing her best to herd a giant plastic sheep at the Durham Lumiere festival.

Her owner, Paul Flynn, who works as director of commercial farming at East Durham College, said he was surprised by the response the “silly” video received.

The Northern Echo:

He called Daisy “a very sociable dog” who enjoys greeting all who she meets, and also noted she is a dab hand in helping students at the college.

He said: “It is ridiculous, she’s hardwired into meeting people and will lie down if need be until I give up and let her say hello to somebody.

“I hope to make her into a sheepdog one day, she’s still in training, but she’ll get there. She is quite useful with the sheep and she will, with a bit of containing, will do as she’s told to some extent.

“The sheep are responsive, they know what she is.”

The Northern Echo:

He praised the design of the statue on show at the Lumiere and said he had a feeling his dog would be “keen.”

He said when playing fetch in the area, the 25ft sheep caught Daisy’s eye and the viral video unfolded from there.

“She was pretty nervous as she ran past it,” Mr Flynn added.

“She believed it was a sheep, incredibly brave to think that she then went to go and herd it despite that.”

The Northern Echo:

He added this bravery is typical of Daisy who also shows no fear when dealing with rams, and will marshal them as part of her role.

He said the pup regularly visits Houghall College with him, which teaches subjects such as agriculture, forestry, land and wildlife courses, and animal management courses.

It encompasses a 476-acre estate including woodland and farm, and also hosts a large equine centre.

He said the farming side of the syllabus focuses on sustainability and animal welfare.

Mr Flynn noted his dog has a particular skill for helping any student not looking “completely engaged” refocus by giving them a nudge.

“She has on one occasion barked at somebody who was looking the other way,” he added.

“She’s my best friend in the classroom and of course, the students love seeing her.”

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Mr Flynn added everyone on the train he commutes on knows Daisy and always pays her a greeting as they make their way to school.

She says she loves to explore the farm and is always very excited to patrol “her territory.”

You can find out more about East Durham College Trust here.