PUPPY-power has helped stressed-out students gain a new leash of life — and that's official.

As reported in The Bolton News Zara, the beautiful curly coated retriever, was at the University of Bolton aiming to help students who were anxious about their pending exams.

Every student who provided feedback on the scheme gave it the thumbs up —saying they would definitely use the service again with 80 per cent of them said spending some time with Zara had definitely improved their anxiety levels.

The university has been running a pilot scheme using Zara, a specially trained Pets as Therapy (PAT), in a trial.

Cambridge University is also running a Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog trial at the moment.

The idea is to help anyone else feeling they need to relax with a little canine TLC before their assessments.

Students could just call in the Student Centre, Chancellor’s Mall in a drop in basis.

Maria-Chiara Bradascio, PhD Psychology student said:"I have a dog at home in Italy but living in Bolton I don’t get to see it as often as I’d like.

"I know how beneficial and relaxing being with a dog can be, which is why I came along today.

"I think it’s a good idea for people who like to be around pets and to build a relationship with them.

"I think it’s especially beneficial at this time of year, after the holidays and when people may feel alone."

Pet stress-busters for students are used by several American universities, including Harvard. Research shows that interaction with pets decreases the level of cortisol – or stress hormone – and increases endorphins, known as the happiness hormone.

Mark Durkin, Psychology student, added:"I came to visit Zara because a lot of my research for my undergraduate and master’s degrees are to do with occupational stress.

"The idea of using a dog as a way of combatting stress is something of great interest and a really good idea.

"The idea of a dog is novel, exciting and will be great for students."

Zara's owner, Fiona Valentine, is Disability Services Manager in the University Students Centre.

She said: "There was a great buzz around the day from the students and staff alike treated her like a celebrity every time we left the office.

"The publicity either from social media, the screens or word of mouth seemed to gain real traction with the students, with many students asking to see her by name.

"What I hadn’t appreciated is how many students really miss their dog from home and so for them she is a real comfort.

"I had a couple of conversations with students who were able to talk to us about issues that they may not have come to us to discuss without her being there. The Student Centre is all about being there for the students so we were thrilled with that aspect as well."

PAT is a national charity founded in 1983, providing therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other establishments. Since its beginning over 28,000 dogs have become registered PAT dogs.