THIS IS no shaggy dog story – children at schools in Kent will be reading to four-legged friends to boost their confidence.

Although dogs are more likely to be seen chasing a stick or bothering cats, from September a chosen few will be enjoying story time with pupils.

Kent County Council said reading aloud in a classroom could be a daunting experience for children, whereas reading to a canine companion could build their confidence because they "won't feel that they are being judged".

So far it has introduced a pilot scheme for some youngsters at two schools in Maidstone but doggy reads will be rolled out across the county if it is successful.

The hounds for the pilot scheme will be supplied through one of the first Reading Education Assistance Dog teams in the UK.

And these are not your average mutts, for they along with their volunteers are specially trained for the job.

The programme started in the US and is used in two counties in the UK, including Devon.

Armed with The Adventures Of Bobby The Pup, Tunbridge Wells chief reporter Mary Harris visited Redsheen Kennels in Broomhill Road in Tunbridge Wells to see how her reading went down with some of its waggy-tailed residents.

Coppie the 11-month-old Irish red setter showed a fleeting interest but by the fourth sentence was eager to escape up the garden. However, she enjoyed the digestive biscuit as she was read to.

Bruxe the ten-year-old Griffon Bruxellois not only enjoyed the story but hopped on to the reporter's lap to get a closer look at the pictures. Top of the class!

Millie the three-year-old pug was mildly interested in Bobby the pup's adventures and went as far as sniffing the cover. But she was far more keen on being petted and admired.

Taya, the nine-year-old King Charles spaniel could not have cared less about the book and soon dozed off on the lawn.

Tag, the ten-week-old Patterdale terrier puppy, would not sit still long enough to even turn a page. He wriggled about before scampering off to find Coppie.