Hero hounds have come to the rescue of stressed students swotting up for exams in Swansea.

Greyhounds took the ‘lead’ at campus cuddling sessions, allowing students to take a break from the text books and have a canine cwtch instead.

Swansea University Students’ Union has again teamed up with Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW) to run its popular ‘Cuddle a Dog’ sessions as part of its Study Aid programme, which focuses on mental health support.

Among the VIP visitors was lovely lurcher Snip and recent rescue Maude, who was saved by GRW’s Last Hope fund following a severe injury and has since found her forever home in Carmarthenshire.

Hundreds of students have previously signed up for the cuddling sessions with dogs from GRW, which rescues former racing greyhounds and lurchers and re-homes them as companion animals.

Studies have shown that spending time with animals can reduce stress and lower blood pressure, making the sessions an invaluable relaxation aid at exam time.

GRW founder Alain Thomas said: “It’s wonderful that Swansea Students’ Union recognises the value of this kind of human-animal interaction and has again invited us to take part.

“The Study Aid events are always a joy to attend because everyone involved has such a great time.

“We see the real benefits to students and our dogs enjoy the fuss enormously - not to mention the extra treats.”

Swansea Students’ Union education officer Emily Rees added: “The exam period can be really stressful for students so Study Aid gives them a little break from all their hard work.

“The visits from Greyhound Rescue Wales have always been a massive hit with students and can really help with their wellbeing.”

‘Cuddle a Dog’ sessions took place at the Bay Campus building on January 16 and January 23 at the Singleton Campus.