Meet Billy the tortoise who helps pupils keep calm

Gartree High School in Oadby in Leicestershire has awarded an 11-year-old tortoise called Billy the title of "emotional support tortoise''.

He even has his own identification card and lanyard.

Billy even walks around with a heart-shaped balloon attached to his shell - so the children see him coming.

Helen Collins, head of learning support at the school and Billy's owner, said students "really love seeing Billy" as he has "a calming presence".

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Ms Collins said: "He comes into school with me most days and works in the learning support department."

He originally came into school on the way to the vet, but has now made a permanent place for himself at the school.

Billy helps students who feel they are overwhelmed - which is feeling like there are lot of things to juggle and think about at the same time.

Ms Collins added that Billy's predicable nature makes students feel relaxed and is cool to the touch, making him ''very calming''.

"He's a lovely, fun, cute tortoise that kids just enjoy seeing," she added.