PUPILS at West Heslerton Primary School have been learning how to be responsible pet owners ahead of adopting their own dog.

The children suggested sponsoring an animal last year and after adopting one of Flamingo Land’s baby vicuna, a member of the camel family, they decided to continue fundraising to look after a dog from the Dogs Trust.

Laura Jane Muscroft, of the charity, visited the school along with rescue dog Oscar and talked to the children about looking after dogs.

Headteacher Rachel Wells said the students had organised a number of activities, including book and toy sales, raising about £100.

“They decided they would like to adopt the scruffiest and least likely to be adopted dog,” she said. “The Dogs Trust will look after it in return for our donation and keep us up-to-date with how it is progressing.”