PUPILS AT St Andrew’s RC Primary School in Dumfries have had an unusual literacy lesson while reading their class novel, 'Charlotte’s Web', courtesy of the Royal Highland Educational Trust.

The book's main Character, Wilbur the piglet, visited their school, thanks to local farmer Lesley Kirkwood of Mouswald Grange Farm, organised by RHET Dumfries and Galloway project coordinator, Fiona Jamieson.

Class teacher, Mrs Kerr, commented: “The children have been enjoying reading the class novel, Charlotte’s Web, and were beyond excited when they heard they would have the chance to meet some ‘real life’ Wilburs! It is opportunities like these that really bring literacy to life for the children.

"They have been enjoying reading about Wilbur’s life on the farm, and writing character descriptions about him, however, after meeting with the piglets today, they produced some terrific writing describing how 'his snout felt as smooth as pebble', and that piglets make ‘perfect playground pals’. I am so grateful to Lesley Kirkwood and Fiona Jamieson from RHET for providing this wonderful opportunity for the pupils.”

Ms Jamieson said: “This was certainly an unusual request from a primary school, but one I was keen to fulfil. Thankfully Lesley had a litter of piglets available and was happy to help. She did a terrific job explaining how piglets are reared at her farm and eventually go into the food-chain. We all had a brilliant morning and definitely one to remember!”