Meet Yorkshire police force's latest recruit in the fight against crime

Harry is destined to become an explosives detection dog with North Yorkshire Police.

The cocker spaniel is currently being puppy-walked by one of the force's volunteers to socialise him and get him use to every day situations such as getting to know other dogs, travelling in a vehicle, interacting with people and getting used to traffic and other noises.

Next week, Harry will have a new home with the force's dog section sergeant where he will start to integrate into police life, get to know his grown-up canine colleagues and be continually assessed for his suitability as a police search dog.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Once we know he has the right temperament and attitude to be a search dog, he will be paired up with his human handler and they will train and qualify together as a team.

Police dogs and handlers have to undergo extensive training.

The dogs usually work for around seven or eight years before retiring, with most handlers choosing to keep them as pets once they leave the force.

The training never stops, with any downtime spent honing their skills.