TWO puppies from Chirk have left the area to embark on careers as police dogs at a police force in Durham.

Jessie and Sherlock, will follow in the paw-steps of Benji, who was previously donated by Chirk resident Gavin Roberts to the Cleveland Police Dog Unit.

Gavin, who has bred dogs previously, is donating one puppy, while friend Caroline Rampley is also donating a puppy, which came from one of Gavin’s dog’s litters.

“They will begin their training straight away with the police,” Gavin said. “As they get older, the training will get more intense for them.

“They will then be looking to pass out at around 14 months.

“We’ll received regular updates from the police force with regards to their progress.”

Cleveland Police Dog Unit officers Jamie Grieves and Chris Marchant arrived in Chirk on Monday to pick up the two puppies.

It is the second time Gavin has donated puppies to the Durham-based unit, after previously donating a labrador-springer cross puppy named Benji two years ago.

Officers at the unit were so impressed with Benji that they contacted Gavin to ask if he would be happy to donate again.

Gavin said he will donate again in the future. He added: “I would also like to do it for North Wales Police and police in Shropshire as well if possible.”