A GIANT smiling dog is encouraging children to get to school promptly.

Punctuality pup greets pupils if they arrive at Darnhall Primary School in Winsford on time. They miss him if they turn up late.

Headteacher Sarah Tomlinson said: "It's been a huge success and attendance remains good. The pup waves to the children and they hug him.

"The initiative has made lots of people young and old smile.

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"Children say to their parents 'come on mum and dad, I've got to get in on time to see the pup!'."

Youngsters have also designed attendance superheroes and catchy slogans for posters around school to encourage pupils to arrive on time.

"Attendance is a key driver," said Mrs Tomlinson. "It's about building that work ethic for life, stressing the importance of being able to turn up on time when they grow up and have jobs.

"We want children to want to come to school. One of our visitors described us as a 'cute, cuddly school'. We try and make it fun for children."