HE is only four months old and too young to go out on his own, but a tiny black bundle of fun is showing a lot of promise as one of a police force's newest recruits.

When he's fully trained next year, the cocker spaniel puppy will be sent out on the beat sniffing out street crime around County Durham.

For now, he's happy to play with his handler, PC Tony Drummond, as he learns how to cope with different situations.

He's a firm favourite with the constable's family, who call him Barney, and he loves to carry shoes around the house.

The hard work starts in January when his official training begins, and he should be ready for police work by the time he is a year old.

PC Drummond said: "He is a lovely natured dog and full of life - and police dogs need to be full of energy for the work they do.

"He will be trained to sniff out drugs and weapons. My old dog has slowed down and Barney will take his place as soon as he is ready.

"My two little girls think the world of him. They play together from the time they come in from school until it is time for them all to go to bed."

Barney is the force's first cocker spaniel and was given to Durham by food company Eukanuba, which will sponsor him during training.

Durham Police have used the larger springer spaniels for some time and have 25 German Shepherds, with more coming through a new breeding programme, established because of a lack of suitable dogs.

Paul Hedges, training supervisor at the regional police dog training school, at Harperley Hall, near Crook, said: "We need dogs with plenty of drive. If they don't want to work, they will never be able to do the job."