PUPILS at St Peter the Apostle High School have been making furry friends as part of an initiative to help improve their reading skills.

Volunteers from the charity Canine Concern Scotland Trust are arranged to come in to the school so S1-S3 pupils can take part in their Reading with Dogs programme.

Volunteer Sharon visits the school each week with either of her dogs, Harley or Skye, who get to enjoy a story being read to them.

Each week, pupils get the opportunity to meet the dog and have one-to-one time.

Reading with Dogs encourages young readers who lack confidence to read aloud to a dog, instead of a person.

The idea is that the dog would listen to them and not judge, allowing them to relax and gain confidence in reading out loud.

Last week, pupil Ellie Kerr bonded with four-year-old Harley, who is relatively new and was very excited for his story time.

A charity spokesman said: “We are trying to help pupils improve their reading skills. This can be young people with low confidence or those who just get anxious reading out loud in a school environment, or anything like that.

“It calms pupils down, they are reading a story to the dog for about 15 or 20 minutes. It’s all about mental health and well being.”

If you are interested in finding out about arranging a visit to your school, community group or local library contact the charity by calling 0131 553 0034 or e-mailing info@canineconcernscotland.org.uk.