Every week, the pupils of Willowbridge School look forward to their visit from a special four-legged friend.

Rita Cooper and her dog, Bella, visit the school every Wednesday morning. Bella is registered with Pets as Therapy, a national charity that enhances the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK.

Their volunteers and their temperament-assessed pets visit establishments such as care homes, hospitals, hospices, schools and prisons, and bring smiles to many faces. People of all ages get the chance to chat to someone - and stroke and cuddle a friendly dog or cat.

Both Bella and the children at Willowbridge enjoy the weekly visits.