A POLICE dog who has spent years spreading important safety messages to children across County Durham has bow-wowed out of active service.

At the ripe old age of seven, black Labrador Jet- one half of the ‘Say no to Strangers’ duo Jet and Ben- has retired from Durham police.

The pair worked together for the past five years, accompanying officers on school visits and at community events, but Jet now has a new home and is enjoying sleeping in front of the fire and walks with his new owner.

Handler PCSO Claire Kerr said: “Jet joined the force at the tender age of seven weeks and since then he has played an important role in helping young people across the force area learn personal safety messages.

“He has accompanied Ben and me on countless visits to nurseries and primary schools, as well as to community events, to highlight issues such as stranger danger and internet awareness.”

She said he was integral to the success of the force junior neighbourhood watch initiative and assisted children’s groups such as brownies, beavers and cubs, and youth clubs on evenings and at weekends.

He has also taken part in lots of walks to raise money for a variety of charities.

Based at Spennymoor with the force’s dog support unit, Jet and Ben have attended both of its Dog Wise events held to promote responsible dog ownership.

Part of a community engagement team, they are funded and supported both by Durham Agency Against Crime and Durham Constabulary.

PCSO Kerr said that while five-year-old Ben already misses his old partner but also enjoys going solo and being the centre of attention.

She added: “But like his predecessors, Ben has always had a Jet at his side and we hope to have more news about that in the not too distant future.”

Jet was re homed with the assistance of Paws up, Durham Retired Police Dogs Benevolent Fund, for details visit pawsup.org.uk