Thatcher's dog has a head for heights

A Norfolk thatcher's loyal dog has become something of a local celebrity - for joining his owner on the rooftops.

Richard Haughton says Axel has been joining him on the roof since he was just seven weeks old.

And in the five years since he hasn't missed a single job - hitching a lift on Mr Haughton's shoulder to get up and down the ladder.

Passers-by do a double take as they spot Axel, who is part Labrador, part Newfoundland and part rottweiler, perched up high.

Mr Haughton, from Witton, said: "He comes everywhere with me and is perfectly happy to sit and watch us at work.

"Sometimes he also has a little wander around. He would much rather be there than sitting in the back of the van.

"He is very agile and he has never fallen off. He certainly is not frightened in the slightest about heights. It doesn't worry him at all.

"He weighs seven a half stone, so he is quite heavy, but he is very good at balancing and he happily jumps on my shoulders so I can carry him down when we have a break or finish for the day."