YOUNGSTERS were given a confidence boost with their reading skills by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Tucker, a four-year-old Staffie, visited Sible Hedingham Library last Tuesday for the first edition of the new Tell a Dog a Tale scheme.

Selina Davies, Tucker's owner and dog behaviourist for Hedingham Hounds, said: "Tucker enjoyed himself. He loves the attention, although they are planning on not having biscuits next time because he was a bit distracted.

"He was really good and the children were really relaxed and appreciated him at their own leisure.

"He just enjoyed sitting down and getting cuddles and strokes."

Research from America has shown that reading to dogs can boost children's literacy, emotional and social skills, and kids feel able to speak to dogs in ways that they might not in front of their parents.

The initiative has now spread to the UK and several libraries across the county are running similar schemes.

Jo Norris, library supervisor, said: "All the children adored Tucker and they enjoyed reading to him.

"That was our goal, it was a way for children to gain confidence to read aloud."

Twelve children came along on the day, and it went so well that Selina and Jo have decided to make it a monthly event, on the first Thursday of every month.

Selina said: "I would love to do it more often eventually and maybe in the future, train someone to do this specifically.

"I loved listening to the children reading and then when a boy really connected with Tucker it melted my heart to see that he has helped someone like that.

"We have applied to be a canine assistance dog for Canine Concern as well."

For more information about the event call 01787 460650.