Eight years ago Lorrayne Starr and her pet dog Olive were in a life-and-death struggle after they became entombed in mud on a Norfolk beach.

The dramatic scenes at Trimingham in January 2016 saw the teacher and her beloved pet winched to safety as she bravely balanced Olive on her stomach to keep her safe.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Lorrayne Starr entombed in mud, with her dog Olive on her stomach, wrapped in a blue scarfLorrayne Starr entombed in mud, with her dog Olive on her stomach, wrapped in a blue scarf (Image: SUBMITTED)

And eight years on from that rescue the bonds between Ms Starr and her West Highland White Terrier cross with a Yorkshire Terrier have become even stronger thanks to the school she works at.

The duo has been working side-by-side at Blenheim Park Primary School in Fakenham helping young pupils both in and out of the classroom after 13-year-old Olive qualified from the Association of Dogs in Schools to lend a helping paw to youngsters.

“She is just part of the school, she wanders around and goes where she wants,” Ms Starr said.

Fakenham & Wells Times: School dog Olive who is owned by Year 1 and Reception teacher Lorrayne Starr takes part in lessons with children from Blenheim Park Primary SchoolSchool dog Olive who is owned by Year 1 and Reception teacher Lorrayne Starr takes part in lessons with children from Blenheim Park Primary School (Image: Sonya Duncan)

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“I always liked the thought of my dog being in the school with me, but the reality is so much better, how she and the students engage with each other.”

Olive's arrival at the school is thanks to headteacher, Nikki Taylor, who suggested they should see if the pooch would be suitable for joining in the educational fun.

Fakenham & Wells Times: School dog Olive who is owned by Year 1 and Reception teacher Lorrayne Starr takes part in lessons with children from Blenheim Park Primary SchoolSchool dog Olive who is owned by Year 1 and Reception teacher Lorrayne Starr takes part in lessons with children from Blenheim Park Primary School (Image: Sonya Duncan)

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After two months of training, and an assembly for children on how to treat her, Olive graduated from her course at the Association of Dogs in Schools.

During the school day, the canine is free to roam the halls and classrooms, spending most of the time in her 57-year-old owner’s reception/year one class.

Fakenham & Wells Times: School dog Olive who is owned by Year 1 and Reception teacher Lorrayne Starr takes part in lessons with children from Blenheim Park Primary SchoolSchool dog Olive who is owned by Year 1 and Reception teacher Lorrayne Starr takes part in lessons with children from Blenheim Park Primary School (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Olive takes part in children's games, sits in the reading area and the children will read to her, she also visits the other two classes, or will just sit with pupils during lessons.

Ms Starr said: “She helps to ease them in and makes children feel calmer and more sociable, and we hope to continue to do that.”

Fakenham & Wells Times: School dog Olive who is owned by Year 1 and Reception teacher Lorrayne Starr takes part in lessons with children from Blenheim Park Primary SchoolSchool dog Olive who is owned by Year 1 and Reception teacher Lorrayne Starr takes part in lessons with children from Blenheim Park Primary School (Image: Sonya Duncan)