A NEW award has been set up to honour the county’s crime-fighting police dogs.

The Lavinia Award, which was set up and sponsored by Barry Cook from Lower Darwen in memory of his late wife Lavinia, has been awarded to Clay.

Lavinia adored police dogs and after she died in October 2019 Mr Cook promised to put his money to good use and pay to buy and train the force’s newest canine recruits.

So far he has donated funds to pay for two sniffer dogs, Vin and Pirate, and another dog called Thor.

Over the last year, Clay has assisted with finding evidence which has led to a number of convictions for serious offences.

A spokesperson for the police said: “As a result he was the obvious winner for this year’s award.

“Mr Cook sponsored the award and was able to meet Clay at a ceremony here at Lancashire Police HQ.

“Clay received many treats and tummy rubs for being such a brilliant member of the force and we know he’ll continue to impress us.”

Mr Cook said: “We are both animal lovers and we have supported the police dogs since we lived in Devon in 2004. But when we moved up here we started supporting the dogs from Lancashire Constabulary, and it’s been a major task, like a hobby really.

“But it’s all in her name. When I presented the award there was no doubt about it that I was giving it in Lavinia’s name.

“The award provides a great deal of longevity to my wife’s memory, even though the presenting of it is bittersweet.”

Mr Cook said the police dog handlers do a tremendous job.

He said: “For the police to be able to say we consider you part of the dog unit is very humbling indeed.

“I don’t much like it when the dogs are referred to as resources, because they’re not resources, they’re beautiful animals that keep us all safe.

“The Lancashire Constabulary dog unit is the premier league of dog units, they really are.

“But it’s not me who has made this possible, it’s my beautiful lady, I just write the cheques.”

Mr Cook said Clay’s handler will now be taking the dog to see Lavinia’s resting place as he knows she would be so proud of what they have done over the last two years.

He added: “The Lavinia award is to survive long after me and I have made provisions for this to happen, and for money to keep going to the dog unit in her name.

“PC Anna Woods who trains the dogs deserves an award herself, she’s been superb.”