MEET Cairo, the latest recruit for Halton police at the tender age of just eleven weeks.

Cairo is preparing for the rigorous training which will mark the start of a fruitful career with Halton police and has already made himself at home with his handler, Constable Helen Smith.

And for the time being, it's vital that Cairo and his handler concentrate on getting to know each other.

PC Smith said: "Police dogs perform a valuable operational role.

"This is why it is so important for me to spend time to get to know the new pup and for him to get to know me before we commence the training."

Once Cairo is fully settled, he will go along with PC Smith to Reaseheath near Crewe to complete his initial training course for 13 weeks.

After that, he will brush up on his powers of detection during regular training sessions in Halton.

Then Cairo will respond to any incident which may require his skills of tracking, searching or helping to apprehend offenders in Widnes and Runcorn.

But more dogs like Cairo are needed to assist officers throughout the county. Anyone wishing to donate a puppy can call Sgt Neil Brown on 01270-610954.

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