A HERO dog visited primary school pupils as part of a project to help call for better laws for service animals.

Retired police dog Finn visited St Bartholomew’s CE Primary School in Great Harwood after year six pupils learnt about his story in lessons.

The dog was stabbed protecting his handler PC Dave Wardell while they were chasing a robbery suspect in Stevenage in October 2016.

They came in to the school after pupils wrote news articles on the dog's acts of heroism.

The pair are raising awareness of their campaign for ‘Finn’s Law’, looking for tougher government legislation to protect all service animals.

PC Wardell said: “When I saw what the children did it blew me away.

“We want to see if we can raise awareness about what happened to Finn and the laws around that.

“The suspect was only charged with criminal damage for the horrific injuries to Finn.

“Animals like Finn provide such a valuable service, they should get specific protection.”

Pupils had an assembly with the German Shepard and his handler, which was attended by Hyndburn MP Graham Jones, before going on a walk towards Memorial Park with the dog.

Pupils at the school said they had throughout enjoyed learning about Finn’s story and looking at laws into service animals.

Alice, 11, said: “I just thought police dogs sniffed around to find stuff, but they do so much more.”

Conner, 10, said: “We learnt so much about police dogs, it’s been really exciting, Finn’s a hero.”

Joseph, 10, said: “It all started with persuasive writing we did about police dogs, it’s been really interesting to have Finn come in.”

Year six teacher Helen Lawton, who organised the visit, said: “It’s been absolutely amazing.

“Everyone was so excited about Finn coming in, parents told us their kids couldn’t sleep.

“We’ve been so pleased at how the day has gone.”

The wound suffered by Finn came within an inch of the dog’s heart and punctured a lung and vets spent four hours saving his life.