A welcome with the wag of a tail: The London hotel with a dog on reception

A London hotel has come up with a new wheeze with which to welcome guests - a dog on the reception desk.

Waggers, a three-month-old miniature labradoodle, has had training to ensure he adapts to his role and way of life as part of the reception team.

The Staybridge Suites in Vauxhall, South London, said it is the first hotel to appoint a dog as a staff member.

While Waggers will not be able to take guests' bags on arrival, the hotel said he is guaranteed to offer a heart-warming gaze.

Hotel manager Giovanni Valentini said: "Labradoodles are renowned to be sociable, obedient dogs who enjoy company and have a loving temperament.

"Waggers has integrated well and is quickly adapting to hotel life. He is most definitely a wonderful furry asset to the team."

Labradoodles are cross-bred dogs which sprung to popularity in 1988.

They are renowned as sociable animals and are the result of a cross between two of the most intelligent breeds of dogs - perhaps explaining the hotel's choice of them to greet guests.

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