A MEMORIAL for Lancashire Police dogs that have been passed away has been officially unveiled.

The monument at the force’s dog unit, at Hutton, was funded by the Police Dogs Benevolent Fund which was established in 2004 to support handlers in caring for their retired dogs.

Dog trainer Sgt Neil Fitzgerald said: “Police dogs are an integral part of operational policing within Lancashire and provide an invaluable service to our county; therefore it is right that they should be recognised by way of this memorial.

“The names of those police dogs which have passed away will be added to the memorial so that the people who knew and loved them can visit and pay their respects.

“We are very grateful to the Benevolent Fund for making this happen.”

Sheila Maw, chairman of the Retired Police Dogs Benevolent Fund, added: “We are incredibly pleased to have been able to make this memorial happen.”