A PUG wearing a mortarboard is not a sight you expect to see every day when attending school, but at one college this has become an almost daily occurrence, having a highly positive effect on the wellbeing of students and staff.

Chummy the dog first started attending Keighley College almost one year ago, spending time roaming the corridors and communal areas of the college three days a week.

His role at the college has so far gone undefined, acting as an unofficial wellbeing dog, with students and staff alike free to stroke, pet and cuddle Chummy as he makes his way around the school, in an effort to help people cope with the stresses of school and everyday life.

Chummy belongs to deputy head Caroline Ward, and since starting at the college has taken part in British values classes, and can often be found getting stuck into a good book in the library or relaxing in the atrium or staff room.

He also runs a blog on the Keighley College website keeping students updated with his activities at the college.

Over the past year these have included receiving a Merit for his oral presentation titled ‘The History of the Woof in Western Civilisation, welcoming back students following the summer break, and also providing details of his new workout regime.

Shekina Popper, marketing executive at Keighley College, said: “Having Chummy at the college is a really nice presence for the students and staff.

“He supports students with a lot of stroking and cuddling. The students love him so much, he comes in a few days a week and just wonders around the college.

“He does some lessons and then generally just hangs around the communal areas, such as the break rooms and the atrium. He also spends a lot of time in the library.

“I would say he has had a really positive effect, he brings a really warm feeling as soon as you see him, he brightens up your day.

“He is the personable part of the college, he is everyone’s dog. He runs his own blog, and pictures of him which get shared on social media are very popular.

“Some students have taken him on walks which he really enjoys and is also really beneficial for the students.

“He gives people a break and some respite from the stresses of learning, teaching, and just general life and home life.

“When he first started coming into the school I don’t think anyone knew how long it would last, but now it looks like he is very much a long term part of the college.”

Ms Popper said currently there are not any plans to bring another friendly pooch into the college, but it is something that could happen in the future.

“I think everyone at the college is desperate for more dogs at the college, but how soon that will be I don’t know,” she added.

“I don’t know how many more dogs we could handle!”

Unfortunately Chummy was not available for interview, as he has yet to start English as a second language lessons at the college.

Scientists in the USA have found through research that bringing dogs into workplaces helps to decrease stress levels among employees.

The presence of canine companions can also lower people’s blood pressure, reduce loneliness and reduce resting heart rate.

They also found having pets in the workplace suggests higher levels cohesion, trust and positive relationships between colleagues.

Many other workplaces allow dogs into offices, and there is even a National Bring Your Dog to Work Day, on June 24.