The whole of Year 8 at Monmouth School for Girls yesterday enjoyed a restorative walk along the riverbank with canine companions.

The students looked after Betty the basset and Bryn, a rescued greyhound, among others, during the (Dog) Walking for Wellbeing afternoon.

Many schools now employ dogs as therapy pets and research has shown that having access to pets on the school site boosts students’ wellbeing and mental health.

Mrs Sue Marks, Head of Year 8, said: “It was great to see how much the girls and the dogs enjoyed the afternoon.

“Dogs offer unconditional companionship and we saw first-hand the positive impact they had on our students over the course of the afternoon.

“We hope to make Walking for Wellbeing a regular occurrence.”

Mrs Marks was supported by Miss Lou Scott, Director of Sport, PE and Dance, and the afternoon saw each group of students given responsibility for a well-behaved dog.