SIX cuddly canines are the newest boarders at Brighton College.

The Eastern Road school introduced Monsieur Saucisson, Madame Jellybean, Seamus, Rufus, Pepper and Lucy to mark the end of National Dog Week.

The dogs will be looked after by the five heads of house at the independent school.

The school hopes the dogs will benefit the children both educationally and emotionally. Studies show that children often turn to animals for comfort and companionship.

School chaplain Father Robert Easton, who looks after a wire-haired Jack Russell called Seamus, said: “I think dogs manage to have a very calming effect on young people and really instil a sense of responsibility. They become more aware of others, more nurturing.”