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Brighton school now home to five pygmy goats

Credit: ITV Meridian

A school in Brighton is now home to five pygmy goats.

It was the idea of Hilary Goldsmith, the school's director of finance, who thought a grassy courtyard at the Quad at Varndean School could benefit from grazing.

Maya, Bertie, Alan, Ethel and William are from her former school which has a farm and wanted to rehome them.

Credit: ITV Meridian

Pupils have formed their own goat club with more than 100 members which will run every lunchtime.

Ms Goldsmith said that the goats give the children the chance to spend time outdoors and interact with the goats.

They are also learning about the care and welfare of the animals.

A twitter account has also been created for the goats themselves.

Tony Green reports.

Tony spoke to Hilary Goldsmith from Varndean School and Headteacher William Deighan.

Aside from the fun of having these funny, lively characters as pets, the goats play an important part in supporting our pastoral care provision and are used in lots of creative ways to support teaching and learning in several subject areas."

"There are copious well-documented studies on the successful use of animals as therapy in helping young people communicate and develop strong nurturing bonds with animals in a non-threatening and mindful manner."

– Hilary Goldsmith, Director of Finance, Varndean School