A woman and her faithful hound have linked up with a Somerset hotel to share the tasty fruits of their unusual passion.

Marion Dean, 59 of Witcombe near Ash, is a truffle hunter, scouring woods up and down the country with her dog Mufti in search of the delicacies.

The duo have proved so successful, they now undertake truffle scouting on behalf of landowners.

Ash House Hotel owner Gordon Doodson will be working with new chef Chris Seddon to create an exciting menu incorporating Mrs Dean's truffles into the daily specials when they are available.

Mr Doodson said: "This really is quite special. A lot of people love truffles, and we're going to create some great dishes. It seemed to make sense to get something going between us and Marion.

"We're even hoping to have a whole evening of truffle gastronomy next month."

But though the truffle, a form of mushroom, has a reputation for its high price and pungent taste, Mrs Dean says it's not the monetary value or the taste that motivates her.

She said: "For me it's the thrill of the chase.

"It's about working with my dog and getting to eat them is almost a bonus.

"Having said that, I do enjoy truffles. My favourite combinations are probably with new potatoes, or venison on top of a truffle mash.

"I actually think I'm one of the world's luckiest people to find something I love doing this much."

Her days trawling through forest floors began four years ago when she came across a magazine article about Dr Paul Thomas, a leading figure in truffle cultivation.

He inspired her to get Mufti, a Lagotto Romagnolo breed recognised for its truffling abilities.

By the age of five months Mufti was trained and ready to go. After careful research to determine where the truffle hotspots might be, they set off to see what they could find.

Italian and French truffles are held in high regard, fetching up to several thousands of pounds per kilo, while the British varieties can command £150-£200 per kilo.

But anyone wanting to emulate Mrs Dean's success should be warned – truffle hunting is harder than it looks.

The fungi grow with the roots of certain trees, such as beeches and oaks, and need very specific soil conditions. With careful attention to detail, these requirements can be replicated to make a cultivated truffle field.

Mrs Dean said: "People definitely shouldn't go digging up the countryside thinking they will find them. But people would be very surprised to know that some of the places they walk past every day has truffles lying beneath. With careful research I have found hundreds over the years."