Once a week, black Labrador Norton takes a trip to the nearby primary school for a spot of learning.

The six-month-old mutt is being groomed to become a care dog for the disabled.

As part of his training, his puppy parent, Peter Place, takes him to visit children at Rustington Primary School.

Mr Place, 75, of Rustington, near Littlehampton, said: "It is good training as it gets him used to crowds."

He was given Norton for a year by Canine Partners for Independence. The charity aims to give greater independence to disabled people with trained dogs.

The dog is being taught to become familiar with crowds and children before it is handed back for advanced training.