“NEVER work with children or animals,” so goes the old saying.

But a Hatfield school has proved that it doesn’t always end in disaster.

Children dressed up as animals and took their pets to school, in their ‘love your pet’ day.

A menagerie of animals was in the school last Monday, including budgies, cats, dogs, fish and mice.

Headteacher Debra Massey dressed as Cruella De Ville for the film 101 Dalmatians as children came as Dalmatians.

Mrs Massey said: “My main concern was getting an outfit appropriate for school and not terrifying the children!”

The event helped them find out about Guide Dogs for the Blind.

It follows the success of Howe Dell’s Got Talent, raising �510 for Isobel Hospice last week.