WHEN Wolborough Primary pupil Jack Avery from Newton Abbot learned that his school was hoping to train up Arthur to be the school’s therapy dog, he was inspired to carry out his own fundraising project.

Nine year old Jack said: ‘I really love Arthur and I think he will make a great therapy dog.’

With the support of the staff, Jack came up with many ideas to raise money towards the target of £3,000.

First, he harnessed his talent for making pom poms to make beautiful pom pom garlands and wreaths which he sold to staff and visitors.

Next, he held a tabletop sale to coincide with Victorian Evening, held in the school hall and a raffle, for which Jack contacted local businesses for prizes as well as collecting prizes from donors to make up hampers. Jack sold tickets at all the Christmas performances as well as at the end of the school day.

This term has seen Jack branch out into cake sales on a Friday afternoon – and he even makes the cakes himself.

Wolborough Primary head teacher Tracy Hoare was overjoyed to announce just before Christmas that the total raised so far had reached over £1,000 towards the training of Arthur, who belongs to the school’s special educational needs co-ordinator Mrs Haynes.

Miss Hoare was very pleased to award Jack with a ‘Community’ achievement badge to wear on his uniform. She said: ‘Jack has done such an amazing job. I am so proud of him!’