MR Darcy, the gentleman dog, is the familiar face at Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School.

Visiting key stage two pupils once a week, Mr Darcy, the Pets as Therapy Dog, goes to the school to sit with the youngsters while they read.

Barbara Earnshaw, headteacher at the school, said that Mr Darcy started this term as a way to calm the pupils who are normally reluctant to read.

‘He has a calming effect on the children and is a true gentleman, hence his name Mr Darcy. He listens to a whole range of stories and encourages the children to read and they all love him. He is also a stress relief for staff as well.’

Mr Darcy is a Heinz 57, mixed with fast running dogs, and was a rescue animal, now owned by Marion Marlow who lives in the local area.