A FURRY friend has joined the staff of Bolton University to soothe stressed out students.

Willow, a three-year-old Newfoundland-Poodle, is the latest cute recruit by the university to help students tackle back-to-school stresses.

The adorable pup passed the Pets as Therapy test, qualifying to be on campus and comfort homesick young people.

Willow's owner Louise Iredale, the university’s director of jobs for students, says the she herself has seen the benefits of having a four-legged friend around: "I have suffered with mental health issues in the past and, certainly for me, my dogs help me massively in terms of getting out in the fresh air."

When she spotted how Willow made people feel, Ms Iredale said she thought it would be a great way of giving back and helping others in need.

She said: "Willow has an extraordinary way of putting a smile on the face of everyone she meets.

"People just love her, she looks like a big teddy bear and she's such a gentle giant."

Students will be able to visit Willow on her working days and spend time petting and talking to her.

Ms Iredale added: "Students might be feeling lonely, homesick or even missing their own pets. They have been able to have a cuddle with Willow and talk to her about things they can't talk to anyone else about, then they can seek help.

"I am grateful to be able to share Willow’s magic with our students at the University of Bolton and for her to provide supportive cuddles and a listening doggy ear during those tough times that we can all go through.”

Willow is joining a family of therapy dogs at the university and will soon meet her two curly-coated retriever colleagues Ali and Zara.