A little dog is giving reading confidence a big boost at one Worcester school.

Janna, a Lassa Apso and Maltese Terrier cross, has been visiting pupils at Pitmaston Primary School to encourage them to enjoy reading.

During the weekly sessions, the children read out loud to Janna, who belongs to the Pets as Therapy charity.

Sarah Guest, the school's year 1/2 phase leader, said: "The idea is that the children feel less concerned about reading out loud to a pet rather than in a classroom environment with a teacher."

Headteacher Kate Wilcock said: "The children are always so excited to see Janna in school.

"The children who read with Janna each week in our school library are growing in confidence with their reading, their self-esteem has been boosted and it really increases their motivation to read.

"The children thrive when reading to the dog because there is no judgement or expectation.

"I would recommend any school having a Pets as Therapy dog to promote reading, it is such a rewarding initiative."

The visits are part of the charity's free Read2Dogs programme, which is based on research that shows children become less stressed and self-conscious around the dogs.