Dee Farndell (56), owner of Zilveren Kennels in Terrington St Clement, was amazed by the record haul which arrived on January 15 as it was her biggest delivery by a dog in 35 years of breeding.

Her pet dog Kelly (2) endured nearly ten hours of labour but all 16 puppies made a safe arrival and are now making good progress at home.

Mrs Farndell and her husband Malcolm (58) have been helping the proud mother by mounting a 24-hour vigil to ensure the new arrivals get the care and attention they need during the crucial early weeks of life.

Mrs Farndell told the Lynn News: "Irish Setters normally have litters of between nine and 11 puppies. We have been breeding for 35 years, we had a litter of 14 a few years ago, but this is unbelievable.

"I knew she would be having a large litter because she had got so big, but they just kept coming and coming and when it got to the fifteenth I said 'please, no more.'

"For the whole litter to survive is amazing. We are doing a 24-hour watch, giving her eight puppies at a time while keeping an eye on her to make sure everything is all right.

"This is Kelly's first litter but after this it will more than likely be her last."