Two dogs have become the best of friends for a group of Moray school pupils, who want to ease the stress of exams.
Brodie and Barney have begun regular visits to Speyside High School to lend moral support for students in the midst of revision.
The loveable duo were the centre of attention for pupils, eager to pat and stroke their fur coats yesterday.
Dozens of teenagers currently studying for higher exams rushed into the school library to enjoy some quality time with the pets.
Head teacher, Patricia Goodbrand, invited the dogs along for the sessions after reading research which highlighted that spending time with adorable animals had been proved to relieve stress.
Brodie is already a regular visitor to the school to provide a listening ear for students improving their reading skills.
And yesterday, both staff and pupils gave her a special welcome back to Aberlour with her friend Barney.
Mrs Goodbrand said: “Brodie has been such a success with the readers. She’s made a huge difference to their confidence.
“I read about the difference dogs can make with stress and thought we should get them in at exam time to promote mental well-being – anything that can make a bit of a difference.”
Both dogs went through a specialist selection process for Paws Against Stress to ensure they would not bark in the school or react in an unpredictable way.
The golden retriever and Italian spinone were lavished with treats while students patted them as they posed for pictures.
Between sessions, staff also took the opportunity to have their own de-stress session.
Senior pupil Dimitris Paganopoulos said: “We have got a cat at home and it just seems to add stress by sitting on my work.
“The dogs are good because it’s just nice to see them so happy to be around people. It’s entertaining.”
Student Kira Johnston added: “It works because it means you are not focusing on your exams when you are with them – you are just taking time out.”
Paws Against Stress has been pioneered by charity Therapet and is also working with students at Elgin High School.
Brodie’s owner Helen Wilson said: “They just take the stress right out of exam time. Interacting with them clears the mind and calms you right down.”