PUPILS made a new best friend at school when Tilly, a trainee guide dog, walked into their school.

Year Eight boys at Bolton School met the beautiful dog they have sponsored.

They raised £2,500 through a variety of fundraising events with support from family and friends and their efforts meant they could name her.

And after a vote across form groups, the name Tilly proved most popular.

She came in to meet the boys when Sue Dearden, a Guide Dog volunteer and puppy walker Meg Stanton brought her for a special visit.

Mrs Dearden said: "What a lovely thing to see happen and for the boys to know that their sponsorship is making such a difference to people’s lives."

The boys learnt that their sponsored dog had a German Shepherd dog for a mother and a Golden Retriever for a father.

Tilly has been in training with her puppy walker since she was six weeks old and will remain with her until she reaches 13 months when she then goes to Atherton Training Centre, otherwise known as 'big school'. She will be then be specially trained for an individual.

Tilly is the second guide dog to be sponsored by the Boys’ Division of Bolton School.

The Girls’ Division has also sponsored three trainee guide dogs.