CARRIAGE clocks were traditionally the time honoured gifts for those stalwart employees who have ticked up 25 years' service.

Over the years the ideas for gifts have taken off by leaps and bounds.

But this particular one was on four legs and skipped into the Eastleigh mayor's parlour to be presented to one of the local authority's loyal servants.

For the council's head of revenue and benefits, Loraine Radford, chose a three-month-old West Highland terrier puppy called Tess to mark her silver anniversary with the council.

A council spokesman said: "People often pick a gift linked with a hobby like a camera or binoculars."

Crystal is very popular and, of course, there is the customary clock.

But the spokesman added: "We cannot remember anyone choosing a dog as a gift for long service."

Little Tess, cradled in her new owner's arms, behaved impeccably as the mayor, Councillor June Hughes, presided over the long service award ceremony.

Loraine was among a trio of council staff celebrating 25 years' service.

Assistant head of personnel Pam James was using her award voucher to buy a dishwasher while Maureen Field, from the council's legal services department, is celebrating her long service by buying garden furniture.

Loraine, who joined the council as a clerical assistant and rose through the ranks, explained how her choice of a dog as a gift made her civic office colleagues sit up and take notice.

The 47-year-old mother of two said: "They were a bit shocked when I said I wanted a dog. People usually ask for pictures or a camera."

Loraine already had a West Highland terrier, ten-month-old Tate, and she said: "My daughter wanted me to get another one. So that is why I chose a dog for my long service award."

Officially handing over Tess to Loraine, the mayor said: "I think it is a wonderful way to celebrate your 25 years with the council."

Tess is only the second canine VIP to be allowed in the mayor's parlour. The other one was a guide dog.

And Tess remained mostobedient as civic chiefs praised Loraine for her dogged determination during her long civic office career.