Des the Duck adopted by Accrington primary school pupils

St Anne’s and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School has taken on Des so that children can watch him grow and learn more about the species.

Science lead and Year 6 teacher Steve Warwick decided to hatch a number of eggs as part of the curriculum, learning about growth and development for all year groups, from pre-school to Year 6.

He took the eggs home and put them in an incubator, hoping to take them into the Sandy Lane school so the pupils could watch them hatch.

Science teacher Steve Warwick with pupils and Des the Duck, sporting a school tie (Image: Dany Robson)

However, one duckling, who was christened Des, decided to come out into the world early – and was born at his farmhouse in Great Harwood.

He hasn't fallen fowl of the pupils, instead becoming beloved by all the children and staff at the school.

That didn’t stop Des becoming the school’s duck and he now comes in once a week and the pupils can watch him grow.

“I must admit I wasn’t particularly into ducks but I have fallen in love with Des!” said Steve.

“I had no intention of keeping him but he follows me around like I am his mum so he is now mine for life!

“I got some eggs and the school’s WhatsApp was going mad waiting for them to hatch. We thought it would take around a month but Des came early on May 1.

“He has won everyone over – he follows me around and then the pupils follow Des.

“It is part of their learning but Des is now the school’s mascot.”