YOUNGSTERS at a Bolton primary got to meet real life heroes — of the four-legged variety.

The children at St Peter's CE school in Farnworth were delighted when Bella the sniffer dog and police horse Captain dropped in for a special visit.

Reception children at the school have been learning about real-life heroes — people and animals — who do heroic work every day since January.

Zoe Quarmby, class teacher, said pupils enjoyed the experience to the full.

She said: "We have had many visitors throughout the term but the children had a big surprise when the Greater Manchester Mounted Police force arrived in the playground.

"The afternoon was amazing and the children enjoyed learning about the role of the police horses and dogs.

"The children enjoyed meeting Captain and Pip and were fascinated by how good police dog Bella sniffed out objects in the classroom."

The afternoon proved to be the highlight of the children's learning as they got a chance to find out more about how the heroes work everyday and the important role the animals play.

Reception pupil Chloe -Mia Entwistle, aged four, said: "Bella was fun. she was giddy and she jumped on the table trying to find the ball."

Classmate Oliver Shufflebothan, aged four said: "I enjoyed meeting the horses because when shouted (instructions) they moved backwards and forwards and they stopped when we shouted stop."

Phoebe Wordsworth, aged five said: "Bella is a special dog and she uses her nose to sniff out explosives."

Seth Royle, aged five, said: "I was a little scared at first but the policeman and the horse were very nice and the horse was very soft."

Ruby Oxtoby, aged five, added: "Bella was lovely and very lively.

"I gave her a big cuddle."