A cocker spaniel is the new stress-reliever for a Bradford company's workers.

Fifteen-month-old Rupert has become a vital member of staff since his introduction to Relay Recruitment last month.

Rupert's job is to lower stress levels, provide companionship and have a calming influence over employees.

And Relay payroll supervisor Rachael Ince, who sometimes looks after Rupert, said he had even helped some staff to stop smoking. Smokers at the firm, in Salem Street off Manor Row in the city centre, have ditched their cigarettes and instead walk the dog.

"Taking Rupert for a quick walk instead of having a fag break has helped several staff members stop smoking and lose weight too," she said.

The firm has put together a long waiting list of staff hoping to take Rupert home on weekends.

Managing director Steven Street has been Rupert's official owner since he was a puppy. He said it had always been his intention to take Rupert into work as soon as he was old enough.

Mr Street still regularly takes Rupert home and is responsible for the pup's requirements, including vet's appointments and health checks.

Mr Street, who has four children, two of whom are autistic, said his choice of dog had been important for both the workplace and family environment.

He chose Rupert because of the friendly and calm nature of cocker spaniels.

And when Mr Street pays a visit to clients Rupert goes too.

Employees at the Valley Group, a point-of-purchase display company, are so fond of the canine companion that his picture is the screensaver for the front-desk computer and he has a comfortable spot saved on one of the directors' chairs.

Jonathan Haggas, the Harden-based firm's commercial director, said: "He certainly brings a smile to everybody's face."

Pet therapist Jane Thrower, of Eldwick, Bingley, said dogs were notoriously good at soothing stress and making people feel happy.

"It's very therapeutic to touch and be in communication with them," she said.