ORCA the wonder dog paid a visit to a York school to help students learn about disabilities.

The golden retriever shot to fame last month when he saved his disabled owner, Cheryl Smith, after she fell down a ditch in her motorised wheelchair.

The visit was part of a day of events organised at St Peter's School to encourage children to learn about a range of disabilities.

Other visitors included disabled student Deb Taylor, and Laura Chapman, who has cerebral palsy and also promotes equality for the disabled in schools, workplaces and colleges.

Julie Bainbridge, who organised the event, said: "We were encourage our students to be aware that we have a responsibility to the disabled community. The biggest hit of the day was Orca - he was fantastic."

Updated: 09:47 Friday, June 13, 2003