'Raising police dog puppies gives me purpose'

Lesley Farley has been caring for police puppies since she retired 25 years ago, and is West Midlands Police's longest serving volunteer.

"It has given me a purpose, you certainly can't be a couch potato with a dog," said Ms Farley.

The puppy development programme aims to develop operational police dogs for use within the force.

"You've got to have the will to do things, and go out and meet people, you go to places you wouldn't perhaps always go to," Ms Farley added.

West Midlands Police said the vast majority of dogs in the programme were bred in-house, and whelped in its dog training centre in Balsall Common.

The latest litter of cocker spaniels was born on Remembrance Sunday, and named after people who served in World War I.

Members of the public suggested the names Edith, Flora, Kipling, Harold, Archibald and Ernest.

All of the puppies in the litter are being cared for by volunteers while they undergo their training, and instructors say they are an integral part of the programme.

"Without our volunteers, we've not got a dog unit, they are by far the most important asset," said Dave Raymond, the breed scheme manager.

"They help with training, but also with getting the dogs out socialising - getting them used to all environments as babies."

Fun training starts from birth, but intensive training starts when they are a year old, when they go off with a handler.

Some puppies receive specialist training, ready to be given to other UK police forces, government agencies or private organisations.

Members of the public can volunteer through the West Midlands Police website.

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