There are not many businesses that rely on employees with four paws but a vineyard in Norfolk is one of them.

Chet Valley Vineyard, in Bergh Apton near Loddon, has introduced its adorable new member of staff named Maple, a 12-week-old cocker spaniel. 

Maple will be joining 11-year-old springer spaniel Rosie in carrying out some very important duties in the fields. 

Eastern Daily Press: Maple is settling in at her new homeMaple is settling in at her new home (Image: Sonya Duncan)She will be trained over the next nine months by her owner John Hemmant.

He said: "She's doing really well and everybody loves her.

"Training is led heavily by treats as she does get a bit cold and bored after a while but we're very proud of her."

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Eastern Daily Press: John Hemmant is the owner of Chet Valley VineyardJohn Hemmant is the owner of Chet Valley Vineyard (Image: Sonya Duncan)Mr Hemmant said there was some initial hostility between 11-year-old Rosie and newcomer Maple but the pair are now friends and enjoy playing together. 

Working dogs are used at the vineyard in order to keep rabbits and deer away and to help aerate the soil while digging for voles and mice. 

However, their most important job is keeping other workers company. 

Eastern Daily Press: Rosie and Maple are getting used to each otherRosie and Maple are getting used to each other (Image: Sonya Duncan)Mr Hemmant added: "Pruning the vines is a very solitary job and having a dog makes for a nice companion.

"A lot of vineyards have dogs for similar reasons."

There are several thousand vines to prune and now is the best time while the weather is colder and the vines are dormant so frost and snow are not a threat.

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Eastern Daily Press: Maple will be helping John with the pruningMaple will be helping John with the pruning (Image: Sonya Duncan)Maple will be helping out during this process for the next three months. 

Chet Valley Vineyard celebrated its biggest ever grape harvest in 2023 with about 32 tonnes of grapes harvested from 20 acres of vines.

Mr Hemmant attributes these record-breaking figures to factors including "generally benign" weather conditions which produced good yields and a high-quality crop.

The family-run estate hosts tours and wine-tasting experiences and the dogs are a particular hit among guests.

Visitors are also allowed to bring along their own four-legged friends.