Few banks can boast staff who don't need paying.

But for Duncan Lawrie, a private bank based at 15th century Wrotham Place, 32 of their workers are prepared to work for baaa-my rewards... in fact, just grass!

And while they're not normally in the habit of fleecing their workers, Duncan Lawrie make an exception for the flock of 32 Grey Faced Dartmoor sheep.

The elegant back office in Wrotham bought by the firm in the late 1970s is set in 23 acres of attractive gardens, lake, woodland, orchard and a vegetable patch tended by staff.

The grass is kept short by the dozens of sheep, one of the hardiest of the longwool breeds and among the oldest in Britain.

They earn their keep by trimming the lawns and shedding their coats.

"The only income we get from them is when they are sheared," says Dina Henry, associate director.

Nine lambs arrived this year and remain a big draw for the firm's staff - and admiring urban visitors.

The wildlife also features honeybees and several bird species. There is a sundial in the walled garden, and a ha ha to keep the animals out and the view uninterrupted.