THE latest recruit to Dorset Police's dog unit is looking forward to a fresh start in life after officially joining his fellow canine detectives.

Young English springer spaniel Jeff had been receiving support from Margaret Green Animal Rescue (MGAR) before being adopted by the force.

The dog was at the charity's Devon centre – Wingletang, Tavistock – and needed a forever home where he could focus his "boundless" energy and working drive, alongside putting them to good use.

The centre contacted Devon & Cornwall Police Dog Section who came and assessed Jeff and felt he had potential for a future career in the police.

Fast forward six months and Jeff has now completed training requirements with Dorset Police as a detection dog and is now "on the squad".

To mark his "graduation" from police dog training, Jeff was presented with his official police dog collar on Saturday, August 29.

Inspector Neil Leat, head of the alliance dog section, said: “It’s been great to work with Margaret Green Animal Rescue to give Jeff a new start in life. For our specialist search dogs, we’re keen to work with animal rescue charities to offer dogs looking for a forever home a new active role within the police service. Having received his paw-fect official police collar, Jeff is about to embark on a paw-some career with Dorset Police sniffing out the evidence!”

The presentation took place at MGAR’s Church Knowle Rehoming and Visitor Centre in Dorset.

Jeff received his collar from Niki Ging, centre manager at Wingletang, who had made the trip to congratulate the dog and present the collar.

Also in attendance to celebrate Jeff’s achievement was Matt Devereux, MGAR trustee, Kate Wickins, MGAR Church Knowle centre manager, and representatives from Dorset Police.

Niki Ging, Wingletang Centre Manager said: “It’s wonderful to see how far Jeff has come since being in rescue and that his exuberance and inquisitive nature is being channelled to help others.

"Everyone at the Margaret Green Animal Rescue wishes him all the best for his future and we’ll be following his progress with interest. Well done PD Jeff (as he is now officially known), we are very proud of you.“